bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, Bacterial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated risk factors of Bacterial UTI among Diabetic patients at Jigjiga University Sheik Hasan yabare comprehensive specialized Hospital, Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tahir Bawlah , Tayib Niman , Ahmed Abdi Hassen , Tolossa Daniel , Mekuria Surafel , Barsenga Shamil , Muse Kader , Tesfaye Sara , Tesfaye Addisu , Getu Fasil , Roble Abdurahman Kedir , Mahdi Abdirizak 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Diabetic Mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition characterized with higher blood glucose due to lack of insulin production, or the body cannot effectively use insulin. Bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) remains one of the common public health crises in diabetic patients worldwide. DM is commonly considered to be the major leading risk factor for UTIs. Emergence of rapid drug resistance nowadays poses a great public health threat in management of bacterial UTI in diabetic patients worldwide.
Objective
to determine the prevalence, bacterial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors of bacterial UTI among diabetic patients at Jigjiga University Sheik Hasan yabare comprehensive specialized Hospital, Jigjiga Eastern Ethiopia from February 20, to April 30, 2024.
Methods
Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 20, to April 30, 2024. Total of 220 study participants were recruited. Clean catch mid-stream urine was collected and was inoculated onto MacConkey agar and Blood agar. Bacterial identification was carried out based on standard protocol. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by Kirby Baurer disc diffusion method. The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6, exported to and analyzed in SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to measure the association. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Result
The overall prevalence of significant bacteriuria among DM patients was 10.5% (23/220, 95%CI: 6.4–14.6%). Of these, 82.6% (19/23) were gram negative bacteria. E. coli was the most isolated uropathogens constituting 65.2% (15/23) followed by S. epidermis, 8.7% (2/23). Duration of DM, history of hypertension and being currently UTI symptomatic were statistically associated with significant bacteriuria. Gram negative uropathogens were highly susceptible to nitrofurantoin (94.7%), amikacin (84.2%) and tobramycin (68.4%). Gram positive isolates were 100% susceptible to nitrofurantoin and gentamicin. The overall proportion of multi-drug resistance among the bacterial isolates was 60.9% (14/23, 95%CI; 54.5–67.3%).
Conclusion
Identification of higher rate multi-drug resistant uropathogens necessitates proper care of antibiotic selection for prescription and enhancing microbiological testing coverage in the low-income settings.
A Custom Array-Based Platform for Expanded Carrier Screening in a Chinese Population
Authors: Chang Jiazhen , Hao Na , Zhou Xiya , Lü Yan , Li Mengmeng , Yin Kaili , Yang Xueting , Zhang Hanzhe , Ma Yukun , Qi Qingwei , You Yanqin , Jiang Yulin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Expanded carrier screening (ECS) is crucial in preconception and early pregnancy care for identifying couples at risk of having children with autosomal recessive or X-linked conditions. This study developed a custom ECS array using an array platform designed to detect single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and indels across 1,625 genes associated with more than 1,000 genetic disorders. To validate the performance of the custom array, we utilized 1,112 blood samples from which next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based ECS was performed. Among these samples, 225 distinct variants were identified in 100 genes. The array demonstrated high sensitivity (98.62%) and specificity (99.17%). This custom array offers a standardized and efficient alternative to NGS-based ECS, potentially enhancing clinical accessibility and selectivity.
Interface trap states induced underestimation of Schottky barrier height in Metal-MX2 Junctions
Authors: Jawa Himani , Verreck Devin , Sun Zheng , Sutar Surajit , Rosa Cesar Javier Lockhart , Kar Gouri Sankar , Appenzeller Joerg 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Understanding the interfaces between a contact metal and a two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor as well as the dielectric gate stack and the same 2D material in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) based transistors is a crucial step towards the introduction of TMD materials into advanced logic nodes. In particular, for the contact metal/2D interface, one of the key parameters is the Schottky barrier height (SBH), which is frequently extracted based on temperature-dependent subthreshold characteristics of TMD field-effect transistors (FETs). However, recently, using this methodology has resulted in rather low extracted SBH values for TMD based transistors, which seems inconsistent with the low on-current levels in said devices. Here, we therefore connect measured device characteristics on monolayer (ML) MoS2 transistors with technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations. In particular, our analysis shows that low SBHs can incorrectly be extracted when the interface trap density Dit is substantial and exhibits at the same time a significant temperature dependence as is the case for TMDs. In fact, TCAD simulations and comparison with the obtained electrical data reveals that the actual SBH is substantially larger than what is extracted when ignoring the above mentioned details of Dit.
Photon Counting Detector CTA for Prostate Artery Embolization Pre-Procedure Planning and Intra-Procedural Guidance: A Case Series
Authors: Yousif Paul , Linch Forrest , Rajiah Prabhakar , Collins Jeremy D. , Favazza Christopher P. , Ferrero Andrea , Jundt Michael , Thompson Scott 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) requires a careful understanding of pelvic arterial anatomy and identifying prostatic artery variants. Pre-procedure CTA and intra-procedural cone beam CT are traditional means of planning and performing PAE, with the latter providing guidance for embolization. Photon counting detector (PCD) CT is a novel technology enabling ultra-high spatial resolution (UHR) whole-body imaging, with reconstructed slices as thin as 200 um. For PAE, we obtain a single UHR PCD CT acquisition, which provides both detailed pre-procedure pelvic arterial anatomy information and a registration reference for intra-procedural embolization guidance.
Case Presentation:
In five patients who underwent technically successful PAE via a left transradial approach, the pre-procedure diagnostic UHR PCD prostate CTA delineated bilateral prostatic artery origins and course in all cases, as confirmed with conventional angiograms. Further, registration of the UHR PCD CT for embolization guidance was successful in all cases, augmenting vessel selection. No complication occurred.
Conclusion:
UHR PCD CT is a novel acquisition option that is well suited to PAE due to its ability to delineate small vessels. Further, our experience has shown that a single pre-procedure scan can also be utilized for intra-procedural embolization guidance, obviating the need for a traditional cone beam CT angiogram. Further research is needed to assess reductions in radiation dose, contrast use, and intra-procedural time with these techniques.
Upregulation of the GLT-1 expression attenuates neuronal apoptosis and cognitive dysfunction via inhibiting the CB1-PKA-CREB signaling pathway in mice with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Bu Bin , Ma Ruiyao , Wang Chengyu , Jiang Shukun , Xu Xiaoming 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background Glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) plays a vital role in maintaining glutamate homeostasis in the body. A decreased GLT-1 expression in astrocytes can heighten neuronal sensitivity to glutamate excitotoxicity after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite its significance, the mechanisms behind the reduced expression of GLT-1 following TBI remain poorly understood. After TBI, the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) is elevated several times. 2-AG is known to inhibit key positive transcriptional regulators of GLT-1. This study aims to investigate the role of 2-AG in regulating GLT-1 expression and to uncover the underlying mechanisms involved.Methods A controlled cortical impact (CCI) model was used to establish a TBI model in C57BL/6J mice. Primary astrocytes were isolated from the brains of neonatal mice and incubated with 2-AG. The CB1 receptor antagonist (referred to as AM281), the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, and the PKA inhibitor (referred to as H89) were administered to investigate the role and mechanism of 2-AG in regulating GLT-1 expression following TBI. Behavioral tests were conducted to assess neurological functions, including the open field, Y-maze, and novel object recognition tests. Apoptotic cells were identified using the TUNEL assay, while Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence were employed to determine protein expression levels.Results GLT-1 expression demonstrated a clear pattern characterized by an initial decrease followed by a gradual recovery in the contused cortex and hippocampus after TBI. It began to decrease within half an hour, reached its lowest level at 2 hours, and then gradually increased, returning to normal levels by 7 days. The administration of AM281 alleviated neuronal death, improved cognitive function, and reversed the reduction of GLT-1 caused by TBI in vivo. Furthermore, 2-AG decreased GLT-1 expression in astrocytes through the CB1-PKA-CREB signaling pathway. Mechanistically, 2-AG activated CB1, which inhibited CREB phosphorylation in astrocytes by restraining PKA. This decreased GLT-1 levels and ultimately increased neuronal sensitivity to glutamate excitotoxicity.Conclusions Our research demonstrated that the upregulation of GLT-1 expression effectively mitigated neuronal apoptosis and cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting the CB1-PKA-CREB signaling pathway. This finding may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for TBI.
Retrospective Analysis of Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy at a Tertiary Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa: A 10-Year Review (2013–2023)
Authors: OPIO Christopher , Shah Reena , Mbith Annastacia , Odada David , Shah Jasmit , Mutiso Musyoka David , Sokwala Ahmed , Nguku Samuel , Makhdomi Khalid 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) is a vital diagnostic tool for assessing gastric motility disorders, yet data on its use and findings in sub-Saharan Africa remain scarce.
Objective
To characterize gastric emptying patterns and identify factors associated with delayed gastric emptying in patients undergoing GES at a tertiary hospital in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 138 GES records from 2013–2023 was conducted. Delayed gastric emptying was defined as gastric emptying half-time (GET1/2) cutoff > 120 minutes. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to identify predictors of delayed gastric emptying.
Results
Of the GES procedures, 76% were performed between 2021 and 2023. Patients had a median age of 47 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 33–60), and 68.1% were women. The median GET1/2 was 150 minutes (IQR: 122–194). Diabetes mellitus, vomiting, and dopamine agonists were associated with prolonged GET1/2, while ischemic gastropathy and age 50–60 years were linked to shorter GET1/2. Delayed gastric emptying was observed in 78.3% of patients, with significant predictors including diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 8.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28–35.19), prior gastroscopy (OR 4.04, 95% CI: 1.15–14.22), prokinetic use (OR 12.47, 95% CI: 2.10–74.03), younger age (OR 4.58, 95% CI: 1.49–14.14), and women (OR 3.65, 95% CI: 1.14–11.67).
Conclusion
Delayed gastric emptying is common among patients undergoing GES in this region, driven by clinical and pharmacological factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and further research on gastric motility disorders in sub-Saharan Africa.
Physiological factors influencing climate-smart agriculture: Daylength-mediated interaction between tillering and flowering in rice
Authors: Lee Hyeon-Seok , Kim Ju-Hee , Jo So-Hye , Yang Seo-Yeong , Baek Jae-Kyeong , Song Yeong-Seo , Shon Jiyoung , Cho Jeong-Il 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction:
Control of rice tillering and flowering is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields, a key goal of climate-smart agriculture. However, the interaction between tillering and flowering is still debated and poorly understood.
Methods
We subjected plants of the rice cultivars ‘Saenuri’ and ‘Odae,’ to short- and long-day conditions after removing their tillers, and observed growth and flowering responses.
Results and Discussion
Different daylength conditions yielded contrasting results. Plants in tiller-removal groups grown under short days flowered early compared with that of the controls, whereas the opposite was observed under long days. Further, the expression of the florigen gene, Hd3a, promoting flowering, increased in the tiller-removal group under short days compared with that of the control. Conversely, the expression of the OsMFT1 gene, delaying flowering and increasing the number of spikelets per panicle, was upregulated under long days, and the phenotypic results were consistent. The number of spikelets per panicle in ‘Saenuri’ and ‘Odae’ plants in the tiller-removal groups under long day conditions increased approximately 3.4 and 2.2 times, respectively, compared with that of the corresponding control groups.
Conclusion
These findings reveal the daylength-dependent variability in tillering and flowering interactions, offering a novel perspective on their relationship. The results provide a foundation for developing climate-smart rice management practices and breeding strategies to optimize growth timing and enhance productivity under variable photoperiod conditions.
A Rare Case of Parapharyngeal Venous Malformation: Diagnostic and Management Challenges
Authors: Hage Neemu , Nayyani Divya , Ramamourthy Balaji , Singh Namit Kant , Haokip Mercy , Sharma Abhimanyu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background: Venous malformations previously referred to as cavernous haemangiomas, are slow-flow vascular anomalies characterised by a benign clinical progression. The occurrence of parapharyngeal space as the primary site of a venous malformations is exceptionally rare, with our literature review indicating that just over 20 cases have been documented to date. The diagnosis of a venous malformation in the parapharyngeal space can be difficult, as they clinically mimic more prevalent lesions in the area, such as pleomorphic adenomas and other neurogenic tumours.
Case presentation: We report a case of the most extensive venous malformations of the parapharyngeal space ever recorded, which was accompanied by the longest duration of symptoms in a 38-year-old male who presented with a painless neck swelling. The swelling was insidious in its onset and had progressively increased to its current dimensions of approximately 8 x 5 cm over a span of 20 years. On examination, there was a solitary diffuse enlargement in the upper lateral aspect of the right neck, accompanied by transmitted pulsations. Cytology was inconclusive, yielding a bloody aspirate only. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T1 iso- to mildly hyperintense, T2/STIR hyperintense lesion measuring 5.2 x 5.8 x 8.0 cm in the right carotid space displacing the carotid sheath laterally with few flow voids and heterogeneous enhancement post-contrast. The mass was excised through a transcervical approach. A reddish, lobulated, encapsulated mass was removed in its entirety during the operation. Histopathology revealed that the mass was a venous malformation, characterised by thin-walled vessels, extensive hyalinization, and fibrin.
Conclusion: The diagnosis of venous malformation is primarily determined by the clinical features and the MRI findings. Surgery is the preferred treatment, and the surgical approach should be determined by the tumour’s size, location, and anatomical accessibility.
Multimodal Imaging-Based Interpretable Radiomics for Differentiating Brucella and Tuberculosis Spondylitis: A Two-Center Study
Authors: Yimit Yasen , Tuersun Abuduresuli , Zhang Mei , Huang Chencui , Shen Lingyan , Yuan Ya , You Yi , Abulizi Adinaer , Ma Juan , Nijiati Mayidili 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Spondylitis, particularly infectious forms caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Brucella species, presents significant clinical challenges due to overlapping symptoms and diagnostic difficulties. Accurate differentiation is crucial for effective treatment, necessitating advanced imaging techniques and radiomics to enhance diagnostic precision and improve patient outcomes in cases of TB and brucella spondylitis.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 165 patients diagnosed with Brucella spondylitis (BS) or tuberculous spondylitis (TS) from January 2020 to December 2024, with an external validation cohort of 35 patients. Inclusion criteria consisted of relevant clinical symptoms for at least six months, positive serological tests, MRI abnormalities, and complete medical records. Imaging was performed at two centers, employing standardized protocols for T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI. Region of Interest (ROI) segmentation and radiomics feature extraction were conducted using the Deepwise platform, yielding a total of 1049 CT and 5829 MRI features. Nine predictive models were developed and validated through nested five-fold cross-validation, assessing performance metrics such as AUC, sensitivity, and specificity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
A total of 195 patients with 207 lesions were analyzed, comprising 124 cases of tuberculous spondylitis (TS) and 83 cases of brucellosis spondylitis (BS). An external validation cohort included 57 patients with 60 lesions. Nine predictive models were developed using selected features: the CT model utilized 80 features, while T1-weighted (T1WI), T2-weighted (T2WI), and fat-suppressed T2WI (FS T2WI) models employed 14, 33, and 32 features, respectively. Multi-modality models combined features from various sequences, achieving optimal performance with an AUC of 0.8136. Model efficacy was validated through ROC curve analysis, decision curve analyses, and calibration plots. Additionally, SHAP analysis was used to interpret model predictions, identifying key influential features, which are detailed in the supplementary materials.
Conclusion
Our research indicates that multimodal imaging-based radiomics hold significant potential for the differential diagnosis of BS and TS
Monitoring Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Dynamics for Personalized Treatment in Adolescent Eating Disorders: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Inagawa Yuta , Kurata Kazumi , Obi Seiji , Onuki Yoshiyuki , Monden Yukihumi , Kurane Koyuru , Furukawa Rieko , Mitani Tadahiro , Nakamura Hirotaka , Suda Shiro , Yagihashi Tatsuhiko 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) during the initial hospitalization of patients with eating disorders (EDs) and to assess its potential as a biomarker for monitoring disease severity and treatment response.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted with 55 patients aged ≤ 16 years diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and admitted to Jichi Medical University Hospital between 2015 and 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics including sex, age, rate of weight gain, percentage of ideal body weight (%IBW), tube feeding treatment, and NLR were obtained. Statistical analyses used a mixed model for repeated measures to assess NLR changes regarding %IBW and other clinical factors.
Results
The NLR at admission was lower in the malnourished state but increased with weight recovery. MMRM revealed that tube feeding treatment and restoration of %IBW significantly predicted an increase in the NLR. The interaction between tube feeding and the quadratic term of %IBW was also significant, indicating distinct patterns of NLR changes: without tube feeding, NLR increased linearly with weight recovery, whereas with tube feeding, NLR exhibited a non-linear, upward-convex parabolic trend.
Discussion
These findings indicate that NLR may serve as a potential biomarker for monitoring recovery in patients with EDs, reflecting nutritional status and tube feeding-related factors. NLR measurement could be a practical tool for tailoring treatment strategies. Further research is warranted to explore NLR's utility across diverse ED populations and assess its responsiveness to various interventions, advancing personalized medicine in this field.
Investigating the Patterns of Renal Function Variability in Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease by Cluster Analysis
Authors: Kobayashi Arisa , Ohnishi Tsuyoshi , Okuda Tadahisa , Hirano Keita , Ikenoue Tatsuyoshi , Yokoo Takashi , Fukuma Shingo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global health concern, with increasing focus on predicting renal prognosis. While renal prognosis is often studied in advanced CKD, variability in renal function and its implications for long-term outcomes in early-stage CKD remain insufficiently examined. This study aimed to investigate renal prognosis in early-stage CKD within the general population, focusing on patterns of renal function variability and factors associated with high variability.
Methods: This retrospective nationwide cohort study included participants from various geographical regions across Japan, representing a diverse general population. A total of 1,765 adults with early-stage CKD (eGFR 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m2), based on two initial screening results, were analyzed. The primary outcome was the pattern of eGFR variability identified by cluster analysis using three parameters: mean residual (difference between linear prediction and observed value), maximum residual, and range. In addition, we used a logistic regression model in order to assess associations between clinical factors and the high-risk cluster.
Results: We identified three distinct clusters based on eGFR variability using cluster analysis. Among these clusters, one exhibited significantly high variability with a high residual (median of mean residuals of 10.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and median of maximum residuals of 22.6 mL/min/1.73 m2) and a wide range (median of range of 25.1 mL/min/1.73 m2) (referred to as the "high variability cluster"). This cluster, comprising 4.6% of patients with early-stage CKD, demonstrated a more pronounced decline in eGFR over time. Factors such as younger age, proteinuria, antihypertensive drug use, and hyperglycemia were associated with the high variability cluster.
Conclusions: This study highlights the presence of distinct eGFR variability patterns in early-stage CKD and identifies a subgroup at high risk for rapid renal decline. Monitoring eGFR variability provides critical insights into long-term prognosis and may inform targeted interventions. Considering these findings, early detection and management of patients with early CKD may improve disease progression and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.
Trial registration: This study is an observational study using a database and does not involve a health care intervention on human participants. Therefore, trial registration is not applicable.