bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High rate of false positive malaria rapid diagnostic tests in a district hospital in Uganda
Authors: Mortazavi Susanne E. , Lugaajju Allan , Ivarsson Anna-Clara , Karlsson Söbirk Sara , Norrgren Hans , Persson Kristina E. M. 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundMalaria remains a significant health burden, particularly in Uganda, which has one of the highest incidence rates globally. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used for malaria diagnosis due to their ease of use and affordability in resource-limited settings. However, false-positive RDT results may lead to unnecessary antimalarial treatments and missed diagnoses of other febrile conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of RDT compared to microscopy and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in a malaria-endemic region of Uganda.MethodsA prospective study was conducted with 225 febrile individuals diagnosed with malaria using RightSign Malaria Ag HRPII/Pan Plasmodium Aldolase RDT (Hangzhou Biotest Biotech Co., Ltd., China) at Iganga General Hospital, Uganda. Blood samples were analyzed using microscopy and LAMP. Demographic information, malaria history, and parasitemia levels were also recorded.ResultsAmong the RDT-positive participants, 48% tested negative by microscopy, and 45% of these were also negative by LAMP, indicating that 20% of all RDT-positive individuals were likely false positives. Overall, 66% (149/225) of RDT-positive cases were confirmed as true positives.ConclusionsThis study identified a high rate of false positives with the tested RDT, risking inappropriate treatment and missed diagnoses of other illnesses. It is essential that healthcare facilities use RDTs validated and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure high specificity and accuracy, particularly in resource-limited settings where alternative diagnostic methods may not be available.
Re-analysis of the current status of clinical trial registration in China
Authors: Li Shuwen , Li Jianhao , Zeng Wenjing , Li Zhicheng , Zhang Jietong , Wang Siying , Xu Nenggui , Li Zeli 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveTo reanalyze and summarize the current status and deficiencies of clinical trial registration in China, based on an analysis of the situation of clinical trial registration in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR).MethodsA search was conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), Wangfang Data, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP), Web of Science (WoS), PubMed up to December 31, 2023, for literature on the analysis of clinical trial registration based on ChiCTR. NoteExpress software was used for screening, EXCEL for data organization and analysis, the Word Cloud website for constructing word frequency maps, and Origin software for visualization.ResultsAmong the 94 articles included, common analysis items included the number of registered projects, types of research, registration time, types of registration institutions, and regional distribution. Most of the included literature was funded. The publishing institutions involved 20 provinces/municipalities across the country, with hospitals being the majority of the publishing units. Most literature was submitted shortly after search completion and published shortly after submission, with more than half of the articles published in high-quality journals. The total average citation count of the literature was 3.34. The sources of clinical trial registration platforms analyzed in the literature were divided into three categories: single platform, dual platform, and multiple platforms.ConclusionChiCTR plays a key role in enhancing transparency in clinical research, promoting standardization and normalization of research, strengthening domestic and international scientific research cooperation, and advancing medical innovation and public health improvement. However, there are still issues with the quality of registration, focus areas, and the evaluation of registration quality.
Comparison of macular retinal thickness measurements using spectral-domain and swept-source optical coherence tomography in healthy eyes
Authors: Wan Huan , Wu Zhaode , Liu Ziling , Qin Bo 
Published: January 2025

AimThis study compares retinal thickness measurements in healthy eyes using one SD-OCT and two SS-OCT devices to assess differences and consistency for clinical application.MethodsForty-eight eyes with a mean age of 28.15 ± 8.85 years were enrolled. Retinal thickness was measured using Heidelberg Spectralis SD-OCT, Svision VG200 SS-OCT, and TowardPi En Face SS-OCT. Normally distributed data were presented as mean ± SD; non-normal data as median (P25–P75). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis were used to assess agreement, with a 7 μm error threshold.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the three devices (p &lt; 0.001). SD-OCT measurements were consistently lower than SS-OCT (p &lt; 0.001), while the two SS-OCT devices showed no significant differences except in the nasal region (p = 0.006). ICC values between SD-OCT and SS-OCT devices were low (0.125–0.532), while SS-OCT devices showed better agreement (ICC: 0.369–0.922). Bland–Altman analysis found only 8.33% of SD-OCT and SS-OCT measurements within the 7 μm error range, compared to 81.25–83.33% for SS-OCT devices.ConclusionThe measurements of macular retinal thickness using SD-OCT and SS-OCT devices showed poor consistency and cannot be used interchangeably. However, measurements obtained from different SS-OCT devices demonstrated good consistency. To enhance the accuracy of results, it is recommended to maintain consistency in the devices used for follow-up examinations in the same patient.
Occurrence of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes at various stages of different aquaculture modes surrounding Tai Lake, China
Authors: Wu Congcong , Ye Haitao , Xu Mingzhu , Zhao Xuan , Zhao Xuejie , Li Lina , Li Mingzhi , Wei Yanfei , Li Yuru , Hu Baolan 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionAquaculture is an important source of antibiotics and ARGs in environmental waters. However, the occurrence of antibiotics and ARGs under different modes and stages of aquaculture has rarely been systematically studied.MethodsThis paper uses qPCR, LC-MS, and High-Throughput sequencing across different culture modes and stages to investigate antibiotics, resistance genes, and microbial communities in the water bodies, and analyze contamination differences between these modes.ResultsThe quinolone and chloramphenicol were the main antibiotics, and the highest absolute abundance genes were quinolone resistance genes (qnrB) and quinolone resistance genes (sul1), with the mobile genetic element (MGE) intI1, both of which exhibited a gradual seasonal increase. Microbial diversity also varies seasonally, especially with a gradual increase in the abundance of some pathogenic bacteria (Flavobacterium). Antibiotics and resistance genes were found at higher levels in fish ponds compared to shrimp and crab ponds, while they were lower in shrimp and crab ponds that utilized the ecological mode ponds than in the traditional culture mode ponds.ConclusionOur study presents a comprehensive characterization of antibiotics and ARGs in aquaculture waters from various perspectives. Ecological aquaculture modes contribute to reducing antibiotic and resistance gene pollution in water bodies. These findings will support the optimization of aquaculture mode and antibiotic usage to the green and sustainable development of aquaculture finally.
Association of systemic inflammatory response index and stroke: a cross-sectional study of NHANES, 2005–2018
Authors: Tian Aokai , Zheng Yafang , Jin Jing , Huang Chunyuan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundMany inflammatory markers like systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are associated with stroke. However, studies on the relationship between stroke and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) are scarce. This study was aimed at evaluating the potential association of SIRI with stroke.MethodsOur cross-sectional study included adults with sufficient SIRI and stroke data from the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We used multivariable logistic regression, interaction tests, smoothed curve fitting, and subgroup analysis for assessing the independent relationship between SIRI and stroke.ResultsOf 36,176 participants in this study, 1,414 (3.9%) had experienced a stroke. In a fully adjusted model, the systemic inflammatory response index displayed a significant and positive correlation with stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.15, p = 0.0006). Meanwhile, the odds of stroke increased by 39% in the 4th quartile, relative to the 1st quartile (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.17–1.65, p = 0.0002). Additional interaction tests and subgroup analysis revealed that age, sex, race, education, marriage, BMI (body mass index), smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary heart disease (CHD) were not positively correlated (p interaction &gt;0.05). Moreover, we also found a nonlinear correlation between SIRI and stroke, with an inflection point of 2.17.ConclusionOur results indicate that SIRI is significantly and positively related to stroke; however, its role in stroke needs to be further confirmed by large-scale prospective studies.
Association between folate and glutamine metabolism and prognosis of kidney cancer
Authors: Qin Jiaxuan , Ouyang Chaoyue , Zhuang Xuan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that folate metabolism might influence cancer progression by regulating mitochondrial metabolism and glutamine is involved in the development and progression of several malignancies. This study aimed to explore the association between folate and glutamine metabolism and prognosis of kidney cancer.MethodsWe performed expression analysis, survival analysis, genetic alteration analysis, and tumor immune infiltrate analysis of related genes using platforms such as UALCAN, GEPIA, GEPIA2, cBioPortal, and TIMER. Serum folate, vitamin B12, and methylmalonic acid levels and clinical information of participants in the United States diagnosed with kidney cancer was obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and analyzed using software R.ResultsWe observed that RNA expression levels of certain folate and glutamine metabolism-related genes, particularly MTHFD2 and SLC1A5, were associated with the prognosis of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Expression differences in these genes were notable between high-stage and low-stage and N1 vs. N0 lymph node metastasis status in KIRC. There was a positive association between glutamine metabolism-related genes and folate metabolism-related genes in KIRC. SLC1A5 was positively correlated with MTHFD2 in KIRC. Folate and glutamine metabolism might play a synchronous role in KIRC prognosis. Strong correlations between MTHFD2 and SLC1A5 expression with KIRC immune infiltrates were found. Higher levels of serum folate may be related to improved cancer-specific survival (CSS) in kidney cancer patients in the U.S.ConclusionFolate and glutamine metabolism-related genes, especially SLC1A5 and MTHFD2, were associated with the prognosis, tumor stage, and lymph node metastasis status in KIRC. Higher KIRC SLC1A5 or MTHFD2 expression levels were associated with higher tumor stages, increased lymph node metastasis possibilities, poorer OS, and poorer RFS. Elevated levels of serum folate may be associated with improved CSS in kidney cancer patients in the United States.
Associations between ultra-processed foods intake and preserved ratio impaired spirometry in U.S. adults
Authors: Kong Weiliang 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundPreserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm) is increasingly recognized as a precursor to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The impact of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) intake on PRISm and lung function remains underexplored, and we aimed to explore their associations.MethodsThis study included 8,336 U.S. adults. Weighted logistic and linear regression models were employed for main analysis. Dose–response relationship was examined through restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, and subgroup analyses explored interactions with selected covariates.ResultsParticipants in the PRISm group were older and exhibited various adverse health characteristics. The percentage of total daily energy intake from UPFs (%Kcal) intake was associated with a non-significant increase in PRISm risk (OR 1.67, 95% CI: 0.96–2.92, p = 0.07). However, the highest quartile of UPFs (%Kcal) intake was significantly linked to increased PRISm risk (OR 1.36, 95% CI: 0.99–1.86, P for trend = 0.043). Furthermore, higher UPFs (%Kcal) intake negatively affected lung function, with participants in the highest quartile showing a significant reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of −45.5 mL (95% CI: −87.6 to −3.4, P for trend = 0.045) and a decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) of −139.4 mL (95% CI: −223.5 to −55.4, p &lt; 0.001) compared to those in the lowest quartile. RCS analysis demonstrated linear relationships for both PRISm and lung function. Subgroup analysis revealed increased susceptibility primarily among individuals with occupational exposure. Additionally, sensitivity analysis indicated that a higher percentage of total daily intake from UPFs (%Grams) intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of PRISm (OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.07–3.25, p = 0.03).ConclusionHigher intake of UPFs is linked to an increased risk of PRISm and negatively affects lung function, particularly in individuals with occupational exposure.
The prognostic significance of malnutrition in older adult patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Jiang Tian-Tian , Zhu Xing-Yu , Yin Yan-Wei , Liu Hong-Jin , Zhang Guang-Yun 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundMalnutrition is associated with an unfavorable prognosis; however, malnutrition in hospitalized patients is frequently overlooked by clinicians. This highlights the importance of accurately assessing nutritional status and providing appropriate nutritional supplementation. The most appropriate nutritional assessment tool for predicting the short-term prognosis of older adult patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) was identified from five nutritional assessment tools, including the Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI), the Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte and Platelet (HALP) Score, the Naples Prognostic Score (NPS), the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score.MethodsA total of 585 older adult patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. The first group, comprising 111 cases, was classified as having a poor prognosis (mRS score &gt; 2), while the second group, consisting of 391 cases, was classified as having a good prognosis (mRS score ≤ 2). A total of five nutritional assessment tools, including PNI, HALP Score, NPS, GNRI, and CONUT, were employed to evaluate the nutritional status of older adult patients with AIS and for the analysis of the relationship between nutritional status and prognosis. The incremental value of five nutritional assessment tools in predicting patient prognosis was compared by means of the Integrated Discriminant Improvement Index (IDI) and the Net Reclassification Index (NRI). The efficacy of each nutritional assessment tool in forecasting the incidence of unfavorable outcomes in older adult patients with AIS within a one-year timeframe was evaluated by utilizing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision analysis curves. Comparative analyses were also conducted.ResultAmong the five nutritional assessment tools, the PNI (AUC: 0.619, 95% CI: 0.560–0.679, p &lt; 0.001) and HALP score (AUC: 0.612, 95% CI: 0.552–0.672, p &lt; 0.001) demonstrated a significantly greater area under the ROC curve (AUC) compared to the NPS (AUC: 0.597, 95% CI: 0.536–0.658, p = 0.002), CONUT score (AUC: 0.582, 95% CI: 0.520–0.644, p = 0.009), and GNRI (AUC: 0.590, 95% CI: 0.529–0.651, p &lt; 0.001). When compared to BMI, PNI exhibited a more pronounced improvement in the integrated discrimination index (IDI: 0.0203, p = 0.0061). Similarly, the net reclassification index (NRI) also showed a significant improvement (NRI: 0.2422, p = 0.024), indicating the superior performance of PNI in risk stratification.ConclusionAmong the five types of nutritional assessment tools employed in this study, the PNI was the most effective at predicting a poor prognosis at one year in older adult patients with AIS.
A nomogram for predicting prognosis for young cervical neuroendocrine carcinoma: A SEER-based study and external validation
Authors: Xie Ning , Yu Haijuan , Lin Jie , Deng Sufang , Liu Linying , Sun Yang 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundNeuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (NECC) is a rare and highly aggressive subtype of cervical carcinomas with poor prognosis. NECC tends to occur in young age which could severely impair mental and physical health of young patients. Therefore, this study aims to develop an individualized prognostic nomogram for young NECC patients.Methods360 young (≤45 years old) NECC patients were retrospectively selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database and were randomly located to a training cohort and an internal validation cohort in a ratio of 7:3. Data from Fujian Cancer Hospital was used as an external validation cohort. Independent prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and a prognostic nomogram for young NECC was developed. The predictive accuracy and clinical utility of the nomogram were assessed by area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (timeROC) curve (AUC), the concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Finally, a simplified scoring system for clinical use was constructed by dividing patients into high-risk and low-risk groups.ResultsPathological type, FIGO stage, and surgery were independent risk factors by univariate and multivariate analysis (P &lt; 0.05). The prognostic nomogram consisting of the above three independent risk factors had high accuracy. The AUC values of 5-year overall survival (OS) in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts were 0.805, 0.798 and 0.872, respectively. The prognostic nomogram also presented with good C-index and calibration plots. The DCA curve further confirmed that the nomogram had a high clinical net benefit. According to the median prognostic index (median PI=18.6), all patients were categorized into high-risk group and low-risk group. The 5-year OS of the high-risk NECC group was significantly worse than that of the low-risk group among three cohorts (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionsPathological type, FIGO stage, and surgery were identified as independent prognostic risk factors for young NECC patients. Based on the nomogram, gynecologic oncologists can accurately and easily predict the prognosis of young NECC and provide scientific guidance for individualized treatment.
Antiangiogenic therapy with recombinant human endostatin may improve blood perfusion of cervical node with necrosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: a preliminary study by using contrast-enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Yang Zhendong , Xiao Huimin , Li Xigui , Wei Zhuxin , Kang Min , Wang Rensheng , Huang Jianyuan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe cervical node with necrosis (CNN) is an important poor prognostic factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. The tumor microenvironment of the CNN has severely insufficient blood perfusion, thus leading to hypoxia and reducing the effect of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy. By using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a monitoring method, we conducted this study to assess whether antiangiogenic therapy (AT) with recombinant human endostatin (RHES) may improve blood perfusion of the CNN.Materials and methodsFifteen NPC patients with CNN were enrolled and underwent CEUS the day before and day 5 after AT with RHES initiation, respectively. By analyzing the variations of CEUS parameters of CNN, such as peak intensity (PI), time to peak (TTP), and mean transit time (MTT) at different time points, we evaluate the impact of AT with RHES on blood perfusion of CNN.ResultsThe PI of day 5 after AT was significantly enhanced compared to the PI of the day before AT [−44.94 ± 4.72 (dB) vs. −50.33 ± 6.85 (dB), p &lt; 0.001]. The TTP of day 5 after AT became dramatically shorter than the TTP of the day before AT [19.48 ± 3.63 (s) vs. 24.19 ± 6.93 (s), p = 0.031]. The MTT of day 5 after AT became obviously shorter than the MTT of the day before AT [28.08 ± 3.03 (s) vs. 33.76 ± 6.20 (s), p = 0.001].ConclusionThese results revealed that the blood volume and the blood flow velocity in the microvessels of the CNN increased after AT, indicating that AT with RHES may improve blood perfusion in the CNN of NPC, thus providing valuable insights for the clinical application of AT combined with RT and/or chemotherapy in NPC patients with CNN. Moreover, CEUS as a noninvasive and real-time monitoring method may be suitable for clinically evaluating tumor blood perfusion changes.