bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular identification and seasonal prevalence of Entamoeba in wild Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) from Mount Gongga, China
Authors: Li Xin , Yao Yongfang , Yu Mengshi , Xiao Hongtao , Yang Shengzhi , Liu Xue , Xie Meng , Xiong Ying , Xiao Yao , Tan Cui , Xu Huailiang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Entamoeba species are common intestinal parasites in primates. The Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana) is an endemic species in China, and the habitat of the wild population in Mount Gongga has the highest altitude. In this study, we collected 84 fecal samples from wild Tibetan macaques in Mount Gongga. PCR amplifications of SSU rRNA genes were used to detect seven Entamoeba species, and the differences in seasonal prevalence were further analyzed. Additionally, we genotyped the potentially pathogenic E. nuttalli based on the tRNA-linked short tandem repeat (STR) loci and further analyzed the phylogenetic relationship among the genotypes obtained from Tibetan macaques and other primates. The results indicate a high prevalence of Entamoeba spp. (88.1%, 74/84), and four species were identified: E. chattoni (86.90%), E. coli (60.71%), E. hartmanni (48.81%), and E. nuttalli (73.81%), meanwhile, there are common mixed infections (67/74, 79.76%). The prevalence of four Entamoeba species was all lower in spring and higher in winter. In addition, phylogenetic analysis revealed a potential new subtype (ST4) of E. hartmanni in wild Tibetan macaques. Based on tRNA-STR loci, there was a high genotype diversity and genetic differentiation of E. nuttalli: 14 genotypes of E. nuttalli were obtained, and the phylogenetic tree showed the genotypes obtained in this study were distinct from that found in Myanmar and Nepal. Present results indicate the general prevalence of potentially pathogenic E. nuttalli in Tibetan macaques, which suggests we should pay attention to the risk of zoonotic transmission of these Entamoeba species.
Brans-Dicke gravity with scalar matter coupling and its cosmological probe
Authors: Ri SongChol , Yun IlMyong , Kim JikSu , Kim Ryong Gwang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this work we investigate the Brans-Dicke gravity with self-interacting potential and potentialess model, the scalar field depends on redshift. But our model includes both potential and coupling, so we put the redshift dependence of the scalar in other form. Making use of CMB, BAO and SNIa observational data, we probe the model and determine model parameters, but our main concern is the dependence of model parameters on the temporal and spatial scales. Therefore we separate the probes for high(CMB) and low (BAO + SN) redshift observational data.
Design and Implementation of a Microplastic Detection and Classification System Supported by Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Dal Ekrem Kursad , Kilic Recai 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Microparticles are challenging to detect due to their small size and can harm living things when exposed. Especially microplastics are one of the harmful microparticles. For this reason, detecting microplastics in a vital consumer item such as water is essential. Machine learning in the detection method allows the learning of different types and sizes of microplastics, allowing such systems to work unremittingly in real time. The present study has designed a low-budget, high-accuracy device with a deep learning algorithm that can autonomously classify microplastics according to their size and type. Three lasers with dual beam wavelengths of 405nm, 655nm, and 534nm-807nm, frequently used in laser pointers, are light sources in the sensor. The beams formed by the lasers were combined employing a beam combiner, allowing beams to emerge from a single point. Classification success of up to 100% has been achieved, thanks to the different interference patterns of light sources of various wavelengths. 10µm polystyrene, 8µm polystyrene, and 8µm melamine prepared in different constancy were used as samples in the experiments.
Self-reported sleep quality among elite athletes: what is it telling us?
Authors: Gooderick Julie , Harry Fisher , Maxwell Neil , Hayes Mark 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Sleep is often compromised in athletes. The monitoring of athlete’s sleep is an important preventative and educational tool. With many athletes using daily questionnaires to estimate sleep quality, there is a need to understand what this term is indicating when self-reported, and thus whether a self-report of this factor is useful.
Aims
This study aimed to compare self-reported and actigraph reported sleep quality, with a view to further understanding the constructs of this parameter.
Methods
Twenty-two national level female footballers provided a daily self-report of sleep quality (Likert scale) across 7 days, whilst also wearing an actigraph across the same testing period. Linear regression analysis was carried out to see which actigraph derived factors contributed to self-report score.
Results
The incorporation of SE, number of wakings and SFI could only account for 27.5% of variance in self-reported sleep quality scores. Number of wakings was the only significant predictor for self-reported sleep quality score (p = 0.000).
Conclusions
When asking for self-report of sleep quality, coaches should infer that number of wakings may be predicting for the Likert score given. Further discussion around this is advised, given the multifactorial nature of sleep quality and the potential for many contributing factors to affect scoring.
Diagnostic Model for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhotic Patients with Ascites
Authors: Yin Xuehong , Qin Enqiang , Song Rui , Bao Xuli , Dong Jinling , Hou Wei , Hua Wei , Tu Bo , Zhang Yuening , Meng Qinghua 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a potentially life-threatening complication of cirrhotic ascites. Early diagnosis and treatment of SBP are essential to improve the survival rates and prognosis of patients. We aimed to identify the predictors of SBP to establish a new noninvasive early diagnostic tool. Methods We screened 1,618 patients who underwent paracentesis due to cirrhotic ascites between January 2017 and December 2018 in three hospitals. We evaluated the symptomatic, clinical, and laboratory parameters to identify the predictors of SBP. The primary diagnostic model was displayed as a nomogram. Results The model included abdominal pain, diarrhea, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, Glucose, and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Using a cutoff value of 0.358 points, the area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity for identifying SBP were 0.84, 0.79, and 0.74, respectively, in the learning set, 0.87, 0.82, and 0.73, respectively, in the internal verification set, and 0.90, 0.92, and 0.67, in the external verification set, respectively. Moreover, the model showed good diagnostic performance in the modeling and validation groups. The decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the nomogram model. In addition, we developed a Microsoft Excel calculation model to allow convenient adoption of the model in clinical practice. Conclusion We developed good performing diagnostic models for SBP.
Efficient nitrogen removal via simultaneous ammonium assimilation and heterotrophic denitrification of Paracoccus denitrificans R-1 under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Authors: Hong Yiguo , Sun Wei , Hu Chunchen , Wu Jiapeng , Wei Mingken , Lin Jih-Gaw 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Although multiple microorganisms can remove ammonium and nitrate simultaneously, their metabolic mechanisms are not well understood. Strain R-1, isolated from the activated sludge of a sewage treatment plant, was identified as Paracoccus denitrificans, and was found to efficiently remove ammonium and nitrate under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The maximal NH4+ removal rate (RR = 9.94 mg·L− 1·h− 1) was significantly higher under aerobic conditions than under anaerobic conditions (RR = 2.91 mg·L− 1·h− 1). Analysis of the nitrogen balance and isotope tracers indicated that NH4+ was consumed through assimilation, but not nitrification. The maximal NO3− RR of strain R-1 was 18.05 and 19.76 mg·L− 1·h− 1 under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively, and NO3− reduction was able to support the growth of R-1 under anaerobic conditions. The stoichiometric consumption ratios of acetate and lactate to nitrate were 0.902 and 0.691, respectively. The 15NO3− isotopic tracer experiment demonstrated that NO3− was reduced to N2 by aerobic and anaerobic denitrification. These results indicated that the NO3− reduction by strain R-1 was a respiratory process coupled with the oxidation of electron donors. Genomic analysis showed that strain R-1 contained complete genes for the nitrogen metabolism pathways of ammonium assimilation and denitrification, but not for nitrification, which is consistent with the physiological process of inorganic nitrogen metabolism in strain R-1. Moreover, we found that ammonium assimilation and nitrate denitrification effectively promoted each other. Our findings demonstrate that the mechanism of the simultaneous removal of NH4+ and NO3− by strain R-1 involves ammonium assimilation and denitrification under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These findings provide new insights into microbial nitrogen transformation and facilitate the simultaneous removal of NH4+ and NO3− in a single reaction system.
Development of microsatellite markers for Afrotropical Ornithodoros ticks
Authors: Taraveau Florian , Bru David , Quembo Carlos , Jourdan-Pineau Hélène 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Soft ticks of the genus Ornithodoros are responsible for the maintenance and transmission of the African swine fever (ASF) virus in the sylvatic and domestic viral cycles in Southern Africa. They are also the main vectors of Borrelia species causing relapsing fevers. Currently, no genetic markers are available for Afrotropical Ornithodoros ticks. As ASF spreads globally, such markers are needed to assess the role of ticks in the emergence of new outbreaks. The aim of this study was to design microsatellite markers that could be used for ticks of the Ornithodoros moubata complex, particularly Ornithodoros phacochoerus, to assess population structure and tick movements in ASF endemic areas.
Methods
One hundred and fifty-one markers were designed using the O. moubata and O. porcinus genomes after elimination of repeated sequences in the genomes. All designed markers were tested on O. phacochoerus and O. porcinus DNA to select the best markers.
Results
Twenty-four microsatellite markers were genotyped on two populations of O. phacochoerus and on individuals from four other Ornithodoros species. Nineteen markers were selected to be as robust as possible for population genetic studies on O. phacochoerus.
Conclusions
The microsatellite markers developed here represent the first genetic tool to study nidicolous populations of Afrotropical Ornithodoros.
The Predictive Value of Lesion-Specific Fat Attenuation Index for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Meiju , Zhen Yanhua , Shang Jin , Dang Yuxue , Zhang Qian , Ni Weishi , Qiao Yujuan , Hou Yang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic significance of the lesion-specific Fat Attenuation Index (FAI) in forecasting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods
This study conducted a retrospective analysis of 304 patients diagnosed with T2DM who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in our hospital from December 2011 to October 2021. All participants were followed for a period exceeding three years. Detailed clinical data and CCTA imaging features were carefully recorded, encompassing lesion-specific FAI, FAI of the right coronary artery, features of high-risk plaques, and the coronary artery calcium score (CACS). The spectrum of MACE included in the study comprised cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome (which encompasses unstable angina pectoris and myocardial infarction), late-phase coronary revascularization procedures, and hospital admissions prompted by heart failure.
Results
Within the three-year follow-up, 76 patients with T2DM suffered from MACE. The lesion-specific FAI in patients who experienced MACE was notably higher compared to those without MACE (-84.87 ± 11.36 Hounsfield Units (HU) vs. -88.65 ± 11.89 HU, P = 0.016). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that CACS of 100 or greater (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.766, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.045–6.938, P < 0.001) and lesion-specific FAI higher than − 83.5 HU (HR = 2.172, 95% CI: 1.336–3.532, P = 0.002) were independently associated with heightened risk of MACE in T2DM patients over a three-year period. Subgroup analysis indicated that a lesion-specific FAI higher than − 83.5 HU (HR = 2.017, 95% CI: 1.143–3.559, P = 0.015) independently correlated with MACE in T2DM patients exhibiting severe coronary calcification. Moreover, the combination of CACS ≥ 100 and lesion-specific FAI>-83.5 HU significantly enhanced the predictive value of MACE in T2DM patients within 3 years.
Conclusions
The elevated lesion-specific FAI emerged as an independent prognostic factor for MACE in individuals with T2DM, inclusive of those with severe coronary artery calcification. Incorporating lesion-specific FAI with the CACS provided incremental predictive power for MACE in the T2DM patients.
Development and validation of an ICPMS method and its application in assessing heavy metals in whole blood samples among occupationally exposed Lead smelting plant workers
Authors: Upadhyay Kuldip 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Occupational exposure to heavy metals affecting various organ systems, poses a significant health risk to workers. Consequently, its precise estimation is of clinical concern and warrants the need for an analytical method with reliable precision and accuracy. Current study aimed to develop an analytical method using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) to detect trace to elevated levels of potentially toxic elements in human blood. The sample preparation optimized using a two-step ramp temperature microwave acid digestion program. The toxic elements quantified using ICPMS operating in kinetic energy dispersion (KED) mode, adjusting data acquisition parameters and instrumental settings. The analytical method was validated using standard performance parameters. Each validation parameter aligned with the acceptable criteria outlined in standard guidelines. The method achieved optimal linearity (r2 > 0.99), recovery (85.60–112.00%), precision (1.35–7.03%), capable of detecting the lowest concentration of 0.32, 0.28, 0.28, and 0.19 µg/L, and quantifying trace levels of 1.01, 0.88, 0.90, and 0.62 µg/L for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), respectively. Post-validation, the method was applied to estimate heavy metals in blood samples from 250 Pb smelting plant workers, revealing potential health implications of occupational exposure. The cohort analysis revealed demographic and employment factors were associated with elevated blood lead levels (BLL), leading to symptoms and health risks. Clinical analysis indicated 33.6% participants experienced hypertension, and 20 were anemic at BLL above 300 µg/L. It emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring, interventions, and improved occupational hygiene to protect the well-being of workers.
Uranium Translocation From Water Soil and Rock System to Various Plants and Their Components
Authors: Singh Ranu , Mitra Jayati Chatterjee , Sar Santosh Kumar , Wadhwa Daljeet Singh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Uranium is a highly hazardous heavy metal and radionuclide. The distribution of uranium in rock, soil, fruit, and water has been measured in the Balod area. Samples were collected using one square kilometer griding technique from Jhalmala Paragaon, Parsoda, Dewerbatt, Pakurbatt, and Jagarata Deur tarai. The distribution of uranium is quantified within the ranges of 0.7 to 3.6 (ppb) in soil, 0.5 to 4.4 ppb in rock, 0.2 to 52.6 ppb in groundwater, and 0.2 to 0.7 ppb in fruit. The distribution of uranium has been confirmed through a satisfactory two-way Anova analysis of the Hβ 1,2,3 results.
Globally distributed marine Gemmatimonadota have unique genomic potentials
Authors: Baker Brett , Gong Xianzhe , Xu Le , Langwig Marguerite , Chen Zhiyi , Huang Shu J , Zhao Duo , Su Lei , Zhang Yan , Francis Christopher , Liu Jihua , Li Jiangtao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Gemmatimonadota bacteria are widely distributed in nature, but their metabolic potential and ecological roles in marine environments is poorly understood. Here, we obtained 495 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), and associated viruses, from coastal to deep-sea sediments around the world. We used this expanded genomic catalog to compare the protein composition, and update the phylogeny of these bacteria. The marine Gemmatimonadota are phylogenetically different from those previously reported from terrestrial environments. Functional analyses of these genomes revealed these marine genotypes are capable of degradation of complex organic carbon, denitrification, sulfate reduction, and oxidizing sulfide and sulfite. Interestingly, there is widespread genetic potential for secondary metabolite biosynthesis across Gemmatimonadota, which may represent an unexplored source of novel natural products. Lineages associated with coral reefs are enriched in genes encoding secondary metabolites, which are likely utilized for ecological interactions there. Furthermore, viruses associated with Gemmatimonadota have the potential to ‘hijack’ and manipulate host metabolism, including the assembly of the lipopolysaccharide in their hosts. This expanded genomic diversity advances our understanding of these globally distributed bacteria across a variety of ecosystems and reveals genetic distinctions between those in terrestrial and marine communities.
Gut microbiome in endometriosis: a cohort study on 1,000 individuals
Authors: Pérez-Prieto Inmaculada , Vargas Eva , Salas-Espejo Eduardo , Lüll Kreete , Canha-Gouveia Analuce , Pérez Laura Antequera , Fontes Juan , Salumets Andres , Andreson Reidar , Aasmets Oliver , team Estonian Biobank research , Whiteson Katrine , Org Elin , Altmäe Signe 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus, is one of the most prevalent gynecological disorders. Although different theories have been proposed, its pathogenesis is not clear. Novel studies indicate that the gut microbiome may be involved in the etiology of endometriosis, nevertheless, the connection between microbes, their dysbiosis and the development of endometriosis is understudied. This case-control study analyzed the gut microbiome in women with and without endometriosis to identify microbial targets involved in the disease.
Methods
A subsample of 1,000 women from the Estonian Microbiome cohort, including 136 women with endometriosis and 864 control women, was analyzed. Microbial composition was determined by shotgun metagenomics and microbial functional pathways were annotated using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Partitioning around medoids (PAM) algorithm was performed to cluster the microbial profile of the Estonian population. The alpha- and beta-diversity and differential abundance analyses were performed to assess the gut microbiome (species and KEGG orthologies [KO]) in both groups. Metagenomic reads were mapped to estrobolome-related enzymes’ sequences to study potential microbiome-estrogen metabolism axis alterations in endometriosis.
Results
Diversity analyses did not detect significant differences between women with and without endometriosis (Alpha-diversity: all p-values > 0.05; Beta-diversity: PERMANOVA, both R2 < 0.0007, p-values > 0.05). No differential species or pathways were detected after multiple testing adjustment (all FDR p-values > 0.05). Sensitivity analysis excluding women at menopause (> 50 years) confirmed our results. Estrobolome-associated enzymes’ sequences reads were not significantly different between groups (all FDR p-values > 0.05).
Conclusions
Our findings do not provide enough evidence to support the existence of a gut microbiome-dependent mechanism directly implicated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest metagenome study on endometriosis conducted to date.
Updated Progress on Mass Spectrometry Imaging and its Application in Cancer Treatment and Drug Discovery
Authors: Li Mingyue , Zhou Jingna , Zhang Tingting , Lu Jingyang , Wang Yajie , Liu Junyu , Zhang Xiaoyu , Chen Haixia 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an imaging method based on
mass spectrometry technology that can simultaneously visualize the spatial distribution of various
biological molecules. The use of MSI in cancer detection and drug discovery has been extensively
investigated in recent years.

Objective:
This review aims to summarize the latest advances of MSI and its specific applications
in cancer detection and drug discovery, providing a basic understanding of the development
and application of MSI in the past five years and offering references for the further application
of MSI in cancer detection and drug discovery.

Methods:
In the database, "mass spectrometry imaging", "cancer treatment", and "drug discovery"
were used as keywords for literature retrieval, and the time range was limited to "2018-
2023". After organizing and analyzing the literature and patents, a review was conducted.

Results:
Based on the literature, it was found that the updated progress of MSI in the past five
years mostly focused on concrete methods, operation procedures, facilities, and composite applications.
The patents of MSI were mainly correlated with the mass spectrometry imaging system
and its application in cancer treatment. MSI is conducive to investigating the therapeutic
schedule of cancer and searching for new drugs.

Conclusion:
MSI is a convenient, fast and powerful technology that has made great progress in
sample preparation, instrumentation, quantitation, and multimodal imaging. MSI has emerged
as a powerful technique in various biomedical applications, which has strong potential in cancer
detection, treatment, formation mechanism research, discovery of biomarkers, and drug discovery
process.
High-power Microwaves Against Locust Invasion
Authors: Zapevalov Vladimir 
Published: January 2024

Background::
There are a lot of phytophagous and harmful animals in agriculture and
forestry in the entire world. The ultimate goal in locust control is the use of preventive and proactive
methods that disrupt the environment to the least possible extent. This would make agricultural
production easier and more secure in the many regions where growing crops is of vital importance.

Method::
The possibility of using high-power microwave systems to combat harmful animal pests
in agriculture and forestry is discussed. The proposed method is compared favorably with respect
to the environment.

Results::
The obtained results of the study demonstrated the possibility of using modern sources
of high-power microwave radiation to solve the problem of insect invasion.

Conclusion::
It should be noted that the use of powerful microwaves is a promising means of
controlling locusts and other pests. Mobile international forces equipped with modern microwave
apparatus can solve the problem of combating locusts and other pests on a global scale without
harming the environment. Microwave systems can also be used against other phytophagous pests
of agriculture and forestry.