bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and genotypic screening of multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from ready to eat street food in Tanta, Egypt
Authors: Bedair Hadeer M. , Emara Mohamed , Ali Shima Mahmoud , Samir Tamer M. , Khalil Mahmoud A.F. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Ready-To-Eat-Street-Foods (RTESF) have food safety concerns, since they are prepared with less-structured food safety guidelines in small and roadside outlets. Klebsiella pneumoniae has become a dangerous foodborne-pathogen worldwide due to its virulence and resistance profile.

Objective
This study aimed at evaluating the potential burden of antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae contaminating RTESF and assessing the microbiological quality of RTESF in Egypt.

Methods
A total of 242 RTESF (green salad) samples was collected, different media were used for isolation of different bacterial species. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were identified biochemically and by Gram and capsular staining then isolates were assessed for antimicrobial resistance phenotypically. The ability of biofilm formation was assessed using crystal violet and molecular characterization of ESBLs and virulence genes was done using PCR.

Results
A total of 77/242(31.8%) of the recovered isolates was identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae and the resistance percentages were as follow: cefuroxime and cephradine (100%, 77/77), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (98.7%, 76/77), while (27.3%, 21/77) of the isolates were MDR. Biofilm assay revealed that (31/77, 41/77 and 5/77) isolates were strong, moderate, and weak biofilm-producers, respectively. Among ESBLs-encoding-genes, bla
SHV was the most prevalent (71.4%) while bla
TEM and bla
CTX−M−2were equally-present (55.8%).The most prevalent virulence genes were mrkD (92.2%) followed by K2 (63.3%).

Conclusion
The contaminated RTESF could be a reservoir for Klebsiella pneumoniae, therefore much care must be taken during preparation and consumption to avoid dissemination of MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae leading to subsequent treatment challenges. Our finding indicating that RTESF, if not prepared under hygienic conditions, could be a source of serious Klebsiella pneumoniae infection.
Neural progenitor cell-derived exosomes in ischemia/reperfusion injury in cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Arvola Oiva , Stigzelius Virpi , Ampuja Minna , Kivelä Riikka 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The physiologic relationship between the brain and heart is emerging as a novel therapeutic target for clinical intervention for acute myocardial infarction. In the adult human brain, vestigial neuronal progenitor stem cells contribute to neuronal repair and recovery following cerebral ischemic injury, an effect modulated by secreted exosomes. Ischemia conditioned neuronal cell derived supernatant and experimental stroke has been shown to be injurious to the heart. However, whether unconditioned neuronal progenitor cell derived-exosomes can instead protect myocardium represents a profound research gap. We investigated the effects of unconditioned neural stem cell derived exosomes as post-injury treatment for cardiomyoblasts from three neuronal culture conditions; adherent cultures, neurosphere cultures and bioreactor cultures. Small extracellular vesicles were enriched with serial ultracentrifugation, validated via nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and Western blot analysis prior to utilization as post-injury treatment for H9c2 cardiomyoblasts following oxygen and glucose deprivation. LDH assay was used to assess viability and Seahorse XF high-resolution respirometry analyzer to investigate post-injury cardiomyocyte bioenergetics. We found no evidence that unconditioned neural stem cell derived exosomes are cardiotoxic nor cardioprotective to H9c2 cardiomyoblasts following ischemia-reperfusion injury. Based on our findings, utilizing unconditioned neural stem cell derived exosomes as post-injury treatment for other organs should not have adverse effects to the damaged cardiac cells.
Genome-wide association analysis and KASP markers development for protein quality traits in winter wheat
Authors: Tian Yousheng , Liu Pengpeng , Kong Dezhen , Nie Yingbin , Xu Hongjun , Han Xinnian , Sang Wei , Li Weihua 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a significant cereal crop that plays a vital role in global food production. To expedite the breeding of wheat cultivars with high protein quality, it is necessary to genetically analyze the traits related to quality. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify the genomic regions responsible for protein quality traits in winter wheat.

Results
Six protein quality traits were evaluated across two locations and two years for a total of 341 wheat accessions. Utilizing the wheat 40 K SNP array, GWAS identified 97 significantly stable SNPs at 43 loci for five out of six protein quality traits using a linear mixed model. The 43 loci distribution was four for grain protein content, two for flour protein content, one for wet gluten content, four for gluten index, and thirty-two for Zeleny sedimentation value. The most significant associations were identified on chromosomes 1 A, 1B, and 1D. Haplotype analysis of loci associated with the gluten index in the 412–416 Mb interval on chromosome 1D identified three blocks. Accessions with superior haplotypes showed a significantly higher gluten index than those with inferior haplotypes. Six KASP markers were successfully developed for the gluten index, while five KASP markers were developed for the Zeleny sedimentation value. Additionally, eight candidate genes were identified that may affect protein accumulation during grain development.

Conclusions
Our study identified 97 SNPs significantly associated with protein quality traits; developed 6 KASP markers for gluten index, and 5 KASP markers for Zeleny sedimentation values; screened 8 candidate genes that may be related to protein quality during grain development. Thise research will offer valuable insights for wheat breeding programs in China and globally.
Medical students and ChatGPT: analyzing attitudes, practices, and academic perceptions
Authors: Abdelhafiz Ahmed Samir , Farghly Maysa I. , Sultan Eman Anwar , Abouelmagd Moaz Elsayed , Ashmawy Youssef , Elsebaie Eman Hany 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
ChatGPT, a chatbot launched by OpenAI in November 2022, has generated both excitement and concern within the healthcare education, research, and practice communities. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and practices of undergraduate medical students regarding the use of ChatGPT and similar chatbots in their academic work.

Methods
An anonymous, structured questionnaire was developed using Google Forms and administered to medical students as part of a cross-sectional study. The survey targeted undergraduate medical students from four governorates in Egypt. The questionnaire link was distributed through social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp. The survey comprised four sections: socio-demographic characteristics, perceptions, attitudes, and practices.

Results
The survey achieved a response rate of 96%, with 614 out of 640 approached students participating. Prior to the study, most respondents (78.5%) had personal experience using it. Overall, respondents demonstrated positive perceptions, attitudes, and practices toward ChatGPT, with mean scores exceeding 3 for all three variables: 3.99 ± 0.60 for perceptions, 3.01 ± 0.46 for attitudes, and 3.55 ± 0.55 for practices. In general, the students exhibited a high degree of trust in the model, with approximately half trusting the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by ChatGPT. However, more than two-thirds expressed apprehension about its potential misuse in medical education, and around 60% were concerned about the accuracy of information ChatGPT might generate on complex medical topics.

Conclusions
Medical students show strong interest and trust in using ChatGPT and similar chatbots for academic purposes but have concerns about the reliability of the information and potential misuse in medical education. The use of AI tools should follow ethical guidelines set by academic institutions, with regular updates to keep pace with technological progress. Future research should focus on the impact of AI on education and personal development, especially among young people.
Ontology-based expansion of virtual gene panels to improve diagnostic efficiency for rare genetic diseases
Authors: Shin Jaemoon , Fujiwara Toyofumi , Saitsu Hirotomo , Yamaguchi Atsuko 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Virtual Gene Panels (VGP) comprising disease-associated causal genes are utilized in the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases to evaluate candidate genes identified by whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing. VGPs generated by the PanelApp software were utilized in a UK 100,000 Genome Project pilot study to filter candidate genes, thus enhancing diagnostic efficiency for rare diseases. However, PanelApp also filtered out disease-causing genes in nearly 50% of the cases.

Methods
Here, we propose various methods for optimized approach to design VGPs that significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency by leveraging the hierarchical structure of the Mondo disease ontology, without excluding disease-causing genes. We also performed computational experiments on an evaluation dataset comprising 74 patients to determine the optimal VGP design method.

Results
Our results demonstrate that the proposed method can significantly enhance rare disease diagnosis efficiency by automatically identifying candidate genes. The proposed method successfully designed VGPs that improve diagnosis efficiency without excluding disease-causing genes.

Conclusion
We have developed novel methods for VGP design that leverage the hierarchical structure of the Mondo disease ontology to improve rare genetic disease diagnosis efficiency. This approach identifies candidate genes without excluding disease-causing genes, and thereby improves diagnostic efficiency.
Rapid detection of Tulipalin A with SESI-Orbitrap MS: an exploration across spring flowers
Authors: Phan An N. T. , Eerlings Roy , Mengers Hendrik G. , Blank Lars M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Allergic contact dermatitis and chronic actinic dermatitis are frequently observed among florists and gardeners due to exposure to potentially allergenic plants and plant products. Tulipalin A, an alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone, is a common allergen synthesized by Tulipa genera, but its natural occurrence across Plantae remains unexplored.

Results
Here, we demonstrated the secondary electrospray ionization coupled Orbitrap mass spectrometry (SESI-Orbitrap MS) methodology for quantifying tulipalin A release from plants upon injury. By outlining temperature treatment, homogenization strategies and plant organ distribution, we show that processing flower samples stored at room temperature using a garlic press yielded the highest tulipalin A release upon injury. Via real-time monitoring, tulipalin A release was demonstrated to occur immediately upon homogenization. Next, the biosynthesis of tulipalin A across spring flowers was landscaped. Highlighting Rosa, Gerbera, Neapolitanum, Ranunculus, Othocalis, Muscari, Galanthus, Tulipa and Alstroemeria to release detectable amounts of tulipalin A upon injury. Tulipalin A was predominantly released from the Tulipa and Alstroemeria species, both belonging to the Liliales order, as stated in previous clinical and research studies.

Conclusions
In conclusion, a rapid method using the SESI-Orbitrap MS is reported to detect and track tulipalin A synthesis across plant organs and outline its cross-species distribution. Our methodology can be easily adapted for mapping other volatile plant defense metabolites and identify potentially allergenic plants. By addressing these aspects, we can ensure a safer work environment for florists and gardeners.
In vitro micropropagation protocols for two endangered Dianthus species - via in vitro culture for conservation and recultivation purposes
Authors: Farkas Dóra , Csabai Judit , Kolesnyk Angéla , Szarvas Pál , Dobránszki Judit 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background

D. giganteiformis subsp. pontederae and D. superbus subsp. superbus are protected or critically endangered species in several European regions; therefore, developing an efficient in vitro micropropagation protocol is essential for germplasm conservation and recultivation purposes.

Results
After germination, one-nodal segments of both species were transferred onto several MS media supplemented with 3% sucrose and different types of cytokinins (at a concentration of 4.5 µM) alongside 0.54 µM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for the multiplication phase for 3 weeks. The shoot clusters were subsequently transferred onto elongation medium (plant growth regulator-free MS medium) for 3 weeks. Individual shoots separated from the shoot clusters were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.54 µM NAA and 2% sucrose for 3 weeks for rooting. Taking into account the effects and after-effects of cytokinins, we found that the most suitable cytokinin for D. giganteiformis subsp. pontederae was N-(2-isopentenyl)-adenine (2-iP), while for D. superbus subsp. superbus it was meta-topolin (mT).

Conclusions
In vitro micropropagation methods were developed for two endangered Dianthus species (D. giganteiformis subsp. pontederae and D. superbus subsp. superbus) by determining the optimal type of cytokinin to be used during the multiplication phase. The protocols are designed to produce large quantities of propagation material for recultivation, educational, and research purposes within three months.
Realising health justice in Palestine: beyond humanitarian voices
Authors: Smith James , el-Solh Sara , Hanbali Layth , Abdulrahim Sawsan , Hafez Sali , Abuzerr Samer , Wispelwey Bram , Gilbert Mads , Seyam Mohammed , Hamad Bassam Abu , Gucciardo Dorotea , Haddad Fahd , Khoury Rasha , Nimerawi Amira , Mills David , Abu-Sittah Ghassan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In the shadow of Israel’s ongoing genocide throughout occupied Palestine, this article examines the moral, political, and epistemic responsibilities of humanitarian, public health, global health, medical and related communities of practice amid profound violence and injustice. In this paper we offer a three-part critique of a May 2024 commentary by Karl Blanchet and colleagues, ‘Rebuilding the health sector in Gaza: Alternative humanitarian voices’ (Blanchet et al. in Confl Heal 18:42, 2024). We argue that in relation to the post-genocide reconstruction of the health system in Gaza, the authors have failed to adequately contextualise their analysis, or the health system reconstruction policy proposal as commissioned by the Gaza Health Initiative [Gaza Health Rebuilding Initiative (GHRI), Future of the Gaza health system: Needs assessment. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/656c4ff5b219116063f8099e/t/65c30c4d3e80fd21f1165b57/1707281499127/Final+first+draft+-+Gaza+health+system+report.pdf. Accessed 8 November 2024], and as such have failed to elucidate the root causes of what manifests most immediately as an entirely manufactured humanitarian crisis. This in turn undermines the substance and utility of the recovery proposal as it has been presented. We also argue that the authors have failed to afford due recognition to several key health actors in Palestine, in particular the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza and UNRWA, and that this subtle but critical act of erasure further undermines the relevance and applicability of their recovery proposal as presented. In response we emphasise the centrality of Palestinian perspectives, and the need to uphold Palestinian leadership in all stages of the recovery process. Thirdly, we take issue with the suggested chronology and substance of the recovery proposal as presented, which overlooks response and recovery efforts already underway and led by Palestinians in Gaza, and which overstates ultimately harmful intervention strategies such as networks of internationally managed field hospitals. Against the backdrop of a very limited window for what we consider morally justifiable humanitarian engagement in Gaza, we join many others who have called for a paradigm shift away from the inertia of supposed objectivity and claimed neutrality that function to perpetuate injustice. Instead, we call for the collective practice of critical advocacy, solidarity with people affected by injustice and oppression, and an emancipatory politics in pursuit of justice in Palestine.
Transcriptional regulatory network analysis identifies GRN as a key regulator bridging chemotherapy and immunotherapy response in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yoo Seungyeul , Patel Ayushi S. , Karam Sarah , Zhong Yi , Wang Li , Jiang Feng , Kong Ranran , Bikvan Sharon , Wang Wenhui , Sinha Abhilasha , Powell Charles A. , Zhu Jun , Watanabe Hideo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive and heterogeneous subtype, representing 15% of lung cancer cases. Although SCLC initially responds to etoposide and platinum (EP) chemotherapy, nearly all patients relapse with resistant tumors. While recent advances in immunotherapy have shown promise, only 10–20% of patients benefit, and effective stratification methods are lacking. The mechanisms of resistance to both therapeutics remain obscure. In this study, we aimed to gain insights into those leveraging a recent surge in the field of SCLC genomics. We constructed a regulatory network for SCLC and identified granulin precursor (GRN) as a hub of EP response associated genes. GRN-low patients showed improved survival with chemotherapy, while GRN-high patients exhibited resistance. GRN overexpression in SCLC cells conferred resistance to EP treatment and suppressed neuroendocrine features. GRN and its associated genes were linked to cancer cell intrinsic immunogenicity, and single-cell RNA-seq data revealed that GRN expression is particularly high in subsets of tumor-associated macrophages. In concordance with these findings, GRN-low tumors showed significantly better survival with chemo-immunotherapy, while GRN-high tumors did not benefit from additional immunotherapy. GRN-high tumors, associated with non-neuroendocrine (non-NE) subtypes, had a higher level of macrophage infiltration, potentially contributing to immunotherapy resistance. These results highlight GRN as a critical regulator of chemo-resistance and a potential biomarker for immunotherapy resistance in SCLC. Targeted therapeutic strategies for GRN-low patients could improve outcomes, while new approaches are needed for GRN-high patients. Overall, our findings implicate GRN as a bridge between chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance through GRN-mediated mechanisms.
The use of strong analgesics for prehospital pain management in children in the region of Southern Denmark: a register-based study
Authors: Colding-Jørgensen Josefine Tvede , Brandstrup Gina Maj Graven , Nielsen Vibe Maria Laden , Gradman Josefine , Thybo Line Anker Bang , Hansen Peter Martin , Wittrock Daniel , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj Fasmer , Christensen Helle Collatz , Mikkelsen Søren 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Acute pain in the prehospital setting is frequent and prehospital pain management presents multiple challenges, especially in children. There is a lack of high-level evidence regarding prehospital pain management in the paediatric population worldwide. In Denmark, this lack of evidence particularly concerns the frequency of the prehospital use of strong analgesics. Guidelines are sparse but there is evidence that prehospital fentanyl may be administered up to 5 µg/kg.

Method
This register-based study investigated the prehospital analgesic treatment in the population under 15 years from January 2017 to December 2022 in the Region of Southern Denmark. Data were extracted from electronic prehospital medical records. The analgesic treatment was characterised by the type of medication, dosage, administration method, and cause of ambulance dispatch. Lastly, response- and transport times were registered.

Results
A total of 28,933 prehospital paediatric medical records were examined. In one in seventeen of all prehospital contacts with children, fentanyl, alfentanil, morphine and/or s-ketamine was administered. Three-quarters of the doses of strong analgesics were administered to patients older than 10 years. Fentanyl was the most frequently administered medication (96.4%). The median fentanyl-equipotent doses of opioids were 1.7 µg/kg adjusted according to standardised patient weight. In 63.4% of cases, the analgesic treatment was administered intravenously.

Conclusion
The doses of opioids as administered by the EMS personnel seem safe as 97% of the doses were within the recommended range and even at the lower end of the recommended range. Although apparently safe, the utilisation of strong analgesics points to a risk of under-treating pain in children.
Sex-specific influences of APOEε4 genotype on hippocampal neurogenesis and progenitor cells in middle-aged rats
Authors: Lee Bonnie H. , Cevizci Melike , Lieblich Stephanie E. , Galea Liisa A. M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) disproportionately and uniquely affects females, and these sex differences are further exacerbated by the presence of Apolipoprotein (APOE) ε4 alleles, the top genetic risk factor for late-onset AD. To expand our understanding about how late-onset AD risk might differentially influence males and females, this study explores how APOEε4 affects hippocampal neurogenesis and microglia, key neuroplastic markers involved in AD pathogenesis, differently by sex in middle-aged rats.

Methods
A rat model expressing the humanized (h) APOEε4 allele was characterized to examine markers of adult neurogenesis (neural progenitor cells and new-born neurons) and immune cells (microglia) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in 13 month-old male and female rats.

Results
We observed basal sex differences in neurogenesis at middle age, as wildtype male rats had greater densities of neural progenitor cells and new-born neurons in the dentate gyrus than wildtype female rats. Male hAPOEε4 rats exhibited fewer neural progenitor cells, fewer new-born neurons, and more microglia than male wildtype rats. On the other hand, female hAPOEε4 rats exhibited more new-born neurons than female wildtype rats. Interestingly, females had more microglia than males regardless of genotype. Correlations were conducted to further elucidate any sex differences in the relationships between these biomarkers. Notably, there was a significant positive correlation between neural progenitor cells and new-born neurons, and a significant negative correlation between new-born neurons and microglia, but only in male rats.

Conclusion
In contrast to the clear pattern of effects of the hAPOEε4 risk factor on hippocampal neurogenesis in males, females had unaltered levels of neural progenitor cells and increased density of new-born neurons. Furthermore, relationships between neurogenesis and microglia were significantly correlated within males, and not females. This suggests that females may be presenting a compensatory response to the hAPOEε4 genotype at middle age. Collectively, these results exemplify the importance of thoroughly examining influences of sex on AD endophenotypes, as it may reveal sex-specific pathways and protective mechanisms relevant to AD.