bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acceptability and Feasibility of the English Version of Elevida, a Self-Guided Online Fatigue Intervention for People With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Lane Jo , Poyser Carmel , Zhao Yixuan , Lucas Robyn M. , Meyer Björn , Heesen Christoph , Cherbuin Nicolas , Brüstle Anne , Macqueen Susy , Richardson Alice , Lueck Christian , Gold Stefan M.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Fatigue is common in multiple sclerosis (MS); it significantly impairs quality of life, and treatment options are limited. A randomized controlled trial of Elevida, a self-guided, online German fatigue intervention, showed significant benefit. We tested an English version of Elevida with people with MS in Australia.

METHODS:

Participants were volunteers with MS who self-reported at least mild fatigue (≥ 43 on the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions scale), some mobility (Expanded Disability Status Scale < 8), and no or mild cognitive difficulties (≤ 32 on the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire). Participants completed the 9-week English Elevida program, commenting on and rating its acceptability. The Chalder Fatigue Scale was completed at baseline, end-of-program, and 2 months later. We undertook qualitative (thematic analysis) and quantitative (before/after differences, tested using paired t test) analyses.

RESULTS:

Thirty-eight people with MS expressed an interest in the study; 26 were eligible; 20 began the study. Fifteen participants (75%) completed the program (mean [SD]: 58.9 [10.5] years of age, 67% women, 9 with relapsing MS, 6 with progressive MS). Over 90% of completing participants rated acceptability as good or very good, and approximately 70% found the program helpful. Three themes were identified: Positive or negative comments on program features, incorrect assumptions in program content, and personal experiences and reflections. Significant improvement (P < .01) in fatigue scores from baseline to program completion was maintained 2 months after program completion.

CONCLUSIONS:

Elevida was acceptable and effective for MS-related fatigue. Identified themes will guide further development of the program to satisfy users’ sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
The effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cardiovascular function in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients: a safety study
Authors: Tan Gansheng , Huguenard Anna L , Donovan Kara M , Demarest Phillip , Liu Xiaoxuan , Li Ziwei , Adamek Markus , Lavine Kory , Vellimana Ananth K , Kummer Terrance T , Osbun Joshua W , Zipfel Gregory J , Brunner Peter , Leuthardt Eric C
Published: December 2024

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is characterized by intense central inflammation, leading to substantial post-hemorrhagic complications such as vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia. Given the anti-inflammatory effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and its ability to promote brain plasticity, taVNS has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for SAH patients. However, the effects of taVNS on cardiovascular dynamics in critically ill patients, like those with SAH, have not yet been investigated. Given the association between cardiac complications and elevated risk of poor clinical outcomes after SAH, it is essential to characterize the cardiovascular effects of taVNS to ensure this approach is safe in this fragile population. Therefore, we assessed the impact of both acute taVNS and repetitive taVNS on cardiovascular function in this study.In this randomized clinical trial, 24 SAH patients were assigned to either a taVNS treatment or a Sham treatment group. During their stay in the intensive care unit, we monitored patient electrocardiogram (ECG) readings and vital signs. We compared long-term changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, QT interval, and blood pressure between the two groups. Additionally, we assessed the effects of acute taVNS by comparing cardiovascular metrics before, during, and after the intervention. We also explored acute cardiovascular biomarkers in patients exhibiting clinical improvement.We found that repetitive taVNS did not significantly alter heart rate, QT interval, blood pressure, or intracranial pressure. However, taVNS increased overall heart rate variability and parasympathetic activity compared to the sham treatment. The increase in parasympathetic activity was most pronounced from 2–4 days after initial treatment (Cohen’s d = 0.50). Acutely, taVNS increased heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral perfusion index without affecting the corrected QT interval, intracranial pressure, or heart rate variability. The acute post-treatment elevation in heart rate was more pronounced in patients who experienced a decrease of more than one point in their Modified Rankin Score at the time of discharge.Our study found that taVNS treatment did not induce adverse cardiovascular effects, such as bradycardia or QT prolongation, supporting its development as a safe immunomodulatory treatment approach for SAH patients. The observed acute increase in heart rate after taVNS treatment may serve as a biomarker for SAH patients who could derive greater benefit from this treatment.NCT04557618
Valence and Salience Encoding in the Central Amygdala
Authors: Kong Mi-Seon , Ancell Ethan , Witten Daniela M , Zweifel Larry S
Published: December 2024

The central amygdala (CeA) has emerged as an important brain region for regulating both negative (fear and anxiety) and positive (reward) affective behaviors. The CeA has been proposed to encode affective information in the form of valence (whether the stimulus is good or bad) or salience (how significant is the stimulus), but the extent to which these two types of stimulus representation occur in the CeA is not known. Here, we used single cell calcium imaging in mice during appetitive and aversive conditioning and found that majority of CeA neurons (∼65%) encode the valence of the unconditioned stimulus (US) with a smaller subset of cells (∼15%) encoding the salience of the US. Valence and salience encoding of the conditioned stimulus (CS) was also observed, albeit to a lesser extent. These findings show that the CeA is a site of convergence for encoding oppositely valenced US information.
Evolutionary and functional analyses reveal a role for the RHIM in tuning RIPK3 activity across vertebrates
Authors: Fay Elizabeth J , Isterabadi Kolya , Rezanka Charles M , Le Jessica , Daugherty Matthew D
Published: December 2024

Receptor interacting protein kinases (RIPK) RIPK1 and RIPK3 play important roles in diverse innate immune pathways. Despite this, some RIPK1/3-associated proteins are absent in specific vertebrate lineages, suggesting that some RIPK1/3 functions are conserved while others are more evolutionarily labile. Here, we perform comparative evolutionary analyses of RIPK1-5 and associated proteins in vertebrates to identify lineage-specific rapid evolution of RIPK3 and RIPK1 and recurrent loss of RIPK3-associated proteins. Despite this, diverse vertebrate RIPK3 proteins are able to activate NF-κB and cell death in human cells. Additional analyses revealed a striking conservation of the RIP homotypic interaction motif (RHIM) in RIPK3, as well as other human RHIM-containing proteins. Interestingly, diversity in the RIPK3 RHIM can tune activation of NF-κB while retaining the ability to activate cell death. Altogether, these data suggest that NF-κB activation is a core, conserved function of RIPK3, and the RHIM can tailor RIPK3 function to specific needs within and between species.
Protonation/deprotonation-driven switch for the redox stability of low-potential [4Fe-4S] ferredoxin
Authors: Wada Kei , Kobayashi Kenji , Era Iori , Isobe Yusuke , Kamimura Taigo , Marukawa Masaki , Nagae Takayuki , Honjo Kazuki , Kaseda Noriko , Motoyama Yumiko , Inoue Kengo , Sugishima Masakazu , Kusaka Katsuhiro , Yano Naomine , Fukuyama Keiichi , Mishima Masaki , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Unno Masaki
Published: December 2024

Ferredoxin is a small iron-sulfur protein and acts as an electron carrier. Low-potential ferredoxins harbor [4Fe-4S] cluster(s), which play(s) a crucial role as the redox center. Low-potential ferredoxins are able to cover a wide range of redox potentials (−700 to −200 mV); however, the mechanisms underlying the factors which control the redox potential are still enigmatic. Here, we determined the neutron structure of ferredoxin from
Bacillus thermoproteolyticus
, and experimentally revealed the exact hydrogen-bonding network involving the [4Fe-4S] cluster. The density functional theory calculations based on the hydrogen-bonding network revealed that protonation states of the sidechain of Asp64 close to the [4Fe-4S] cluster critically affected the stability of the reduced state in the cluster. These findings provide the first identification of the intrinsic control factor of redox potential for the [4Fe-4S] cluster in low-potential ferredoxins.
Quantifying microbial fitness in high-throughput experiments
Authors: Fink Justus Wilhelm , Manhart Michael
Published: December 2024

Few concepts are as central to evolution as is fitness, and yet the quantification of fitness is often ambiguous. In particular, high-throughput experiments to measure mutant fitness in microbes are increasingly common but vary widely in their definitions of fitness, which makes their results difficult to compare. What are the consequences of these different fitness statistics, and is there a best way to quantify fitness in a given context? Here we systematize the set of possible fitness statistics according to the following three choices: 1) the encoding of relative abundance (e.g., transforming by a log or logit function), 2) the time scale over which to measure the change in relative abundance, and 3) the choice of a reference subpopulation for calculating fitness in bulk competition experiments, such as those using DNA-barcoded mutants. We show that these different choices can lead to significantly different interpretations of mutant fitness, affecting the magnitude of fitness effects, the presence of epistasis, and even the fitness ranking across mutants. This can confound predictions for evolutionary dynamics and gene functions. Altogether our results demonstrate the importance of consistent fitness definitions for reproducible results across experiments.
Operation of spinal sensorimotor circuits controlling phase durations during tied-belt and split-belt locomotion after a lateral thoracic hemisection
Authors: Rybak Ilya A , Shevtsova Natalia A , Audet Johannie , Yassine Sirine , Markin Sergey N , Prilutsky Boris I , Frigon Alain
Published: December 2024

Locomotion is controlled by spinal circuits that interact with supraspinal drives and sensory feedback from the limbs. These sensorimotor interactions are disrupted following spinal cord injury. The thoracic lateral hemisection represents an experimental model of an incomplete spinal cord injury, where connections between the brain and spinal cord are abolished on one side of the cord. To investigate the effects of such an injury on the operation of the spinal locomotor network, we used our computational model of cat locomotion recently published in eLife (Rybak et al., 2024) to investigate and predict changes in cycle and phase durations following a thoracic lateral hemisection during treadmill locomotion in tied-belt (equal left-right speeds) and split-belt (unequal left-right speeds) conditions. In our simulations, the ‘hemisection’ was always applied to the right side. Based on our model, we hypothesized that following hemisection the contralesional (‘intact’, left) side of the spinal network is mostly controlled by supraspinal drives, whereas the ipsilesional (‘hemisected’, right) side is mostly controlled by somatosensory feedback. We then compared the simulated results with those obtained during experiments in adult cats before and after a mid-thoracic lateral hemisection on the right side in the same locomotor conditions. Our experimental results confirmed many effects of hemisection on cat locomotion predicted by our simulations. We show that having the ipsilesional hindlimb step on the slow belt, but not the fast belt, during split-belt locomotion substantially reduces the effects of lateral hemisection. The model provides explanations for changes in temporal characteristics of hindlimb locomotion following hemisection based on altered interactions between spinal circuits, supraspinal drives, and somatosensory feedback.
Operation of spinal sensorimotor circuits controlling phase durations during tied-belt and split-belt locomotion after a lateral thoracic hemisection
Authors: Rybak Ilya A , Shevtsova Natalia A , Audet Johannie , Yassine Sirine , Markin Sergey N , Prilutsky Boris I , Frigon Alain
Published: December 2024

Locomotion is controlled by spinal circuits that interact with supraspinal drives and sensory feedback from the limbs. These sensorimotor interactions are disrupted following spinal cord injury. The thoracic lateral hemisection represents an experimental model of an incomplete spinal cord injury, where connections between the brain and spinal cord are abolished on one side of the cord. To investigate the effects of such an injury on the operation of the spinal locomotor network, we used our computational model of cat locomotion recently published in
eLife
(Rybak et al., 2024) to investigate and predict changes in cycle and phase durations following a thoracic lateral hemisection during treadmill locomotion in tied-belt (equal left-right speeds) and split-belt (unequal left-right speeds) conditions. In our simulations, the “hemisection” was always applied to the right side. Based on our model, we hypothesized that following hemisection, the contralesional (“intact”, left) side of the spinal network is mostly controlled by supraspinal drives, whereas the ipsilesional (“hemisected”, right) side is mostly controlled by somatosensory feedback. We then compared the simulated results with those obtained during experiments in adult cats before and after a mid-thoracic lateral hemisection on the right side in the same locomotor conditions. Our experimental results confirmed many effects of hemisection on cat locomotion predicted by our simulations. We show that having the ipsilesional hindlimb step on the slow belt, but not the fast belt, during split-belt locomotion substantially reduces the effects of lateral hemisection. The model provides explanations for changes in temporal characteristics of hindlimb locomotion following hemisection based on altered interactions between spinal circuits, supraspinal drives, and somatosensory feedback.
Shc1 cooperates with Frs2 and Shp2 to recruit Grb2 in FGF-induced lens development
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Hongge , Mao Yingyu , Garg Ankur , Park Eun Sil , Wu Yihua , Chow Alyssa , Peregrin John , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2024

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling elicits multiple downstream pathways, most notably the Ras/MAPK cascade facilitated by the adaptor protein Grb2. However, the mechanism by which Grb2 is recruited to the FGF signaling complex remains unresolved. Here we showed that genetic ablation of FGF signaling prevented lens induction by disrupting transcriptional regulation and actin cytoskeletal arrangements, which could be reproduced by deleting the juxtamembrane region of the FGF receptor and rescued by Kras activation. Conversely, mutations affecting the Frs2-binding site on the FGF receptor or the deletion of Frs2 and Shp2 primarily impact later stages of lens vesicle development involving lens fiber cell differentiation. Our study further revealed that the loss of Grb2 abolished MAPK signaling, resulting in a profound arrest of lens development. However, removing Grb2’s putative Shp2 dephosphorylation site (Y209) neither produced a detectable phenotype nor impaired MAPK signaling during lens development. Furthermore, the catalytically inactive Shp2 mutation (C459S) only modestly impaired FGF signaling, whereas replacing Shp2’s C-terminal phosphorylation sites (Y542/Y580) previously implicated in Grb2 binding only caused placental defects, perinatal lethality, and reduced lacrimal gland branching without impacting lens development, suggesting that Shp2 only partially mediates Grb2 recruitment. In contrast, we observed that FGF signaling is required for the phosphorylation of the Grb2-binding sites on Shc1 and the deletion of Shc1 exacerbates the lens vesicle defect caused by Frs2 and Shp2 deletion. These findings establish Shc1 as a critical collaborator with Frs2 and Shp2 in targeting Grb2 during FGF signaling.
Shc1 cooperates with Frs2 and Shp2 to recruit Grb2 in FGF-induced lens development
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Hongge , Mao Yingyu , Garg Ankur , Park Eun Sil , Wu Yihua , Chow Alyssa , Peregrin John , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2024

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling elicits multiple downstream pathways, most notably the Ras/MAPK cascade facilitated by the adaptor protein Grb2. However, the mechanism by which Grb2 is recruited to the FGF signaling complex remains unresolved. Here we showed that genetic ablation of FGF signaling prevented lens induction by disrupting transcriptional regulation and actin cytoskeletal arrangements, which could be reproduced by deleting the juxtamembrane region of the FGF receptor and rescued by Kras activation. Conversely, mutations affecting the Frs2-binding site on the FGF receptor or the deletion of Frs2 and Shp2 primarily impact later stages of lens vesicle development involving lens fiber cell differentiation. Our study further revealed that the loss of Grb2 abolished MAPK signaling, resulting in a profound arrest of lens development. However, disrupting the Grb2 binding site on Shp2 or abrogating Shp2 phosphatase activity only modestly influenced FGF signaling, whereas mutating the presumed Shp2 dephosphorylation site on Grb2 did not impede MAPK signaling in lens development, indicating that Shp2 is only partially responsible for Grb2 recruitment. In contrast, we observed that FGF signaling is required for the phosphorylation of the Grb2-binding sites on Shc1 and the deletion of Shc1 exacerbates the lens vesicle defect caused by Frs2 and Shp2 deletion. These results reveal that Shc1 collaborates with Frs2 and Shp2 to target Grb2 in FGF signaling.
Dendritic growth and synaptic organization from activity-independent cues and local activity-dependent plasticity
Authors: Kirchner Jan H , Euler Lucas , Fritz Ingo , Castro André Ferreira , Gjorgjieva Julijana
Published: December 2024

Dendritic branching and synaptic organization shape single-neuron and network computations. How they emerge simultaneously during brain development as neurons become integrated into functional networks is still not mechanistically understood. Here, we propose a mechanistic model in which dendrite growth and the organization of synapses arise from the interaction of activity-independent cues from potential synaptic partners and local activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Consistent with experiments, three phases of dendritic growth – overshoot, pruning, and stabilization – emerge naturally in the model. The model generates stellate-like dendritic morphologies that capture several morphological features of biological neurons under normal and perturbed learning rules, reflecting biological variability. Model-generated dendrites have approximately optimal wiring length consistent with experimental measurements. In addition to establishing dendritic morphologies, activity-dependent plasticity rules organize synapses into spatial clusters according to the correlated activity they experience. We demonstrate that a trade-off between activity-dependent and -independent factors influences dendritic growth and synaptic location throughout development, suggesting that early developmental variability can affect mature morphology and synaptic function. Therefore, a single mechanistic model can capture dendritic growth and account for the synaptic organization of correlated inputs during development. Our work suggests concrete mechanistic components underlying the emergence of dendritic morphologies and synaptic formation and removal in function and dysfunction, and provides experimentally testable predictions for the role of individual components.
Complex aneuploidy triggers autophagy and p53-mediated apoptosis and impairs the second lineage segregation in human preimplantation embryos
Authors: Regin Marius , Lei Yingnan , Couvreu De Deckersberg Edouard , Janssens Charlotte , Huyghebaert Anfien , Guns Yves , Verdyck Pieter , Verheyen Greta , Van de Velde Hilde , Sermon Karen , Spits Claudia
Published: December 2024

About 70% of human cleavage stage embryos show chromosomal mosaicism, falling to 20% in blastocysts. Chromosomally mosaic human blastocysts can implant and lead to healthy new-borns with normal karyotypes. Studies in mouse embryos and human gastruloids showed that aneuploid cells are eliminated from the epiblast by p53-mediated apoptosis while being tolerated in the trophectoderm. These observations suggest a selective loss of aneuploid cells from human embryos, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated the cellular consequences of aneuploidy in a total of 125 human blastocysts. RNA-sequencing of trophectoderm cells showed activated p53 pathway and apoptosis proportionate to the level of chromosomal imbalance. Immunostaining corroborated that aneuploidy triggers proteotoxic stress, autophagy, p53-signaling, and apoptosis independent from DNA damage. Total cell numbers were lower in aneuploid embryos, due to a decline both in trophectoderm and in epiblast/primitive endoderm cell numbers. While lower cell numbers in trophectoderm may be attributed to apoptosis, aneuploidy impaired the second lineage segregation, particularly primitive endoderm formation. This might be reinforced by retention of NANOG. Our findings might explain why fully aneuploid embryos fail to further develop and we hypothesize that the same mechanisms lead to the removal of aneuploid cells from mosaic embryos.
The satiety hormone cholecystokinin gates reproduction in fish by controlling gonadotropin secretion
Authors: Hollander Cohen Lian , Cohen Omer , Shulman Miriam , Aiznkot Tomer , Fontanaud Pierre , Revah Omer , Mollard Patrice , Golan Matan , Levavi Sivan Berta
Published: December 2024

Life histories of oviparous species dictate high metabolic investment in the process of gonadal development leading to ovulation. In vertebrates, these two distinct processes are controlled by the gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), respectively. While it was suggested that a common secretagogue, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), oversees both functions, the generation of loss-of-function fish challenged this view. Here, we reveal that the satiety hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) is the primary regulator of this axis in zebrafish. We found that FSH cells express a CCK receptor, and our findings demonstrate that mutating this receptor results in a severe hindrance to ovarian development. Additionally, it causes a complete shutdown of both gonadotropins secretion. Using
in-vivo
and
ex-vivo
calcium imaging of gonadotrophs, we show that GnRH predominantly activates LH cells, whereas FSH cells respond to CCK stimulation, designating CCK as the bona fide FSH secretagogue. These findings indicate that the control of gametogenesis in fish was placed under different neural circuits, that are gated by CCK.
Escape problem of magnetotactic bacteria - physiological magnetic field strengths help magnetotactic bacteria navigate in simulated sediments
Authors: Codutti Agnese , Charsooghi Mohammad A , Marx Konrad , Cerdá-Doñate Elisa , Munoz Omar , Zaslansky Paul , Telezki Vitali , Robinson Tom , Faivre Damien , Klumpp Stefan
Published: December 2024

Bacterial motility is typically studied in bulk solution, while their natural habitats often are complex environments. Here, we produced microfluidic channels that contained sediment-mimicking obstacles to study swimming of magnetotactic bacteria in a near-realistic environment. Magnetotactic bacteria are microor-ganisms that form chains of nanomagnets and that orient in Earth’s magnetic field. The obstacles were produced based on micro-computer tomography reconstructions of bacteria-rich sediment samples. We characterized the swimming of the cells through these channels and found that swimming throughput was highest for physiological magnetic fields. This observation was confirmed by extensive computer simulations using an active Brownian particle model, which were parameterized based on experimental trajectories, in particular with the trajectories near the sediment-mimicking obstacles, from which the interactions of the swimming bacteria with the obstacles were determined. The simulations were used to quantify the swimming throughput in detail. They showed the behavior seen in experiments, but also exhibited considerable variability between different channel geometries. The simulations indicate that swimming at strong fields is impeded by the trapping of bacteria in “corners” that require transient swimming against the magnetic field for escape. At weak fields, the direction of swimming is almost random, making the process inefficient as well. We confirmed the trapping effect in our experiments and showed that lowering the field strength allows the bacteria to escape. We hypothesize that over the course of evolution, magnetotactic bacteria have thus evolved to produce magnetic properties that are adapted to the geomagnetic field in order to balance movement and orientation in such crowded environments.
Parcerias entre universidades públicas e usuários do conhecimento: revisão de escopo
Authors: Corrêa Lucas Vieira Fernandes , Camargo Fernanda Carolina
Published: December 2024

Objetiva-se entender como o tema das parcerias de universidades públicas está sendo abordado no âmbito científico e identificar eventuais pontos sensíveis e oportunidades de melhoria. Utilizou-se como referencial a teoria da Hélice Tríplice (universidade-indústria-governo), que prospecta a aproximação das instituições criadoras de conhecimento para com o processo de inovação e desenvolvimento socioeconômico. Trata-se de uma revisão de escopo, conduzida de acordo com o protocolo PRISMA. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados: EMBASE, Web of Science, SciELO, Oasisbr, Scopus e Pubmed. Foram incluídos artigos completos, no recorte temporal dos últimos dez anos. Foram identificados 1.192 estudos, sendo excluídos aqueles que não responderam à questão norteadora, por abordarem outros aspectos organizacionais na universidade. Ao final, foram selecionados três estudos que abordaram a formalização de parcerias entre universidades públicas e a sociedade. O convênio foi o principal instrumento de formalização utilizado, sendo mais recorrente o objeto de alocação de recursos financeiros, entre participantes nacionais e internacionais, com foco nos programas de pós-graduação stricto sensu. Como pontos sensíveis e oportunidades de melhorias, há que se repensar a burocratização dos processos de formalização de parcerias, bem como investir na sua previsão nos planos institucionais. Há considerável lacuna de produção científica sobre a temática em âmbito nacional, o que enseja além de fomento às discussões entre atores envolvidos – pesquisas futuras sobre o comportamento das universidades púbicas brasileiras e desenvolvimento de produtos técnico-tecnológicos que potencializem as parcerias.
Epidemiology of Rotavirus Diarrhoea in Children and Adults Presenting with Acute Gastroenteritis at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Aarsi Aarsi , Oberoi Loveena , Sidhu Shailpreet Kaur , Sodhi Manmeet Kaur , Oberoi Tavishi
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Rotavirus is an important cause of severe diarrhoea in children under five years of age, accounting for approximately 78,000 deaths annually in this age group. The magnitude of acute gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus is often underestimated due to the lack of investigations into these cases. Although rotavirus disease is less common in adults, it can occur, possibly because of contact with children who have rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Aim: To assess the current trend of the disease in both children as well as adults presenting with acute diarrhoea.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one year (January 2023 to January 2024). A total of 185 stool samples were collected from children under five years of age and adults over 18 years presenting with acute diarrhoea at the outpatient and inpatient departments of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital (GNDH), Amritsar, Punjab, India. Commercially available Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits were used to detect the VP6 antigen of Group A rotavirus in the stool samples of the patients. The data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and relevant conclusions were drawn.

Results: Out of the 185 samples collected, 32 samples (17.3%) tested positive for rotavirus antigen. Vaccinated children experienced milder disease compared to unvaccinated ones. Non breastfed infants showed a higher detection rate of rotavirus, with 20 children (80%) testing positive compared to their breastfed counterparts. The rural-urban distribution indicated a greater burden in rural areas, with 16 children (64%) affected.

Conclusion: This study identifies the risk factors, clinical profile, current burden and seasonal variation of rotavirus diarrhoea. It will be helpful in evaluating the impact of the rotavirus vaccine on the severity of the disease.
Effectiveness of Various Plant Crude Extract on Controlling Parasitic Ciliates (Colpoda sp.) Affecting Fishes
Authors: Sathish A. , Sangeetha R. , George Susan , Raj V. Mohan
Published: December 2024

Aquaculture plays a crucial role in the national economy of many countries. Ciliate protozoans are recognized as economically significant parasites in fish aquaculture. Colpodean ciliates are particularly abundant and are commonly found in terrestrial settings such as soils, leaf litter, and mosses. Diseases are recognized as significant impediments to sustainable animal production, leading to substantial economic losses, particularly in the aquaculture sector. Traditional medicinal plants offer a promising alternative for controlling various diseases in aquaculture. This study examined the efficacy of several plant extracts, including tobacco, neem paste, rue seeds, thyme seeds, and pepper seeds, in managing ciliates. Among the tested plant extracts, Colpoda cultures treated with rue seeds demonstrated the highest effectiveness.
The Economic Impact on the Use of 100% Guide to All Common Entrance Examinations in Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning: A Case Study of Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Tsetimi Jonathan , Emmanuel Oladayo ODUSELU-HASSAN,
Published: December 2024

This paper focuses on the financial implications and the families in Delta State, Nigeria who made use of Joshua Okwuwe’s “A 100% Guide to All Common Entrance Examinations in Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning”. While there is a clear need for the book to be used in schools as a preparatory book focusing on preparing pupils for entrance examinations into secondary schools, this has added a very important changes which have had a positive impact on the financial achievements of a number of families especially those in the low income earners’ bracket. By using paper and online self-completed questionnaires to which interviews with parents, teachers and students were added after the surveys had been completed. The sample consists of 300 parents, 150 teachers, 500 students from Delta State who use the “100% Guide.” Questionnaires gathered information on the amount of money spent in the households on education materials, performance in mathematics/numeracy and views on the equity of education. Further, a combination of structured and semi structured interviews with school heads aimed at establishing their views on the use of the guide. For data analysis, the hypothesis test was done through the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to establish the statistical tests. Using statistical methodologies it is ascertained that the guide serves a purpose in raising the academic success by a 75% improvement in mathematics and 82% in quantitative reasoning for the learners but at the same time yields an average cost to the families. This economic stress is particularly felt by low income earners hence increasing learning inequity. These outcomes call for policy changes, including reduced-cost materials and the proper advertisement of cheap educational products. This study adds an important voice on the discourse on the pro and cons standardization of tests in Nigeria to the current academic writing based on its socioeconomic implications to students, educators, and policy makers in their strive towards enhancing learning for better performances and creating equity.
Effect of Different Edible Coatings on Physical and Physiological Characters of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia Swingle) cv. Sai Sharbati
Authors: Shirsath Rutuja , Patil Ravindra , Nandre Dinesh , Patil Sunil , Pandey Priya , Bombale Akash , Shinde Hrushikesh
Published: December 2024

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different edible coatings on physical and physiological characters of acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia Swingle) cv. Sai Sharbati from October, 2023 to November, 2023 under Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three replications and nine treatments at ambient room temperature. The parameters recorded were fruit length (mm), fruit diameter (mm), fruit firmness (kg/cm2), physiological loss in weight (%) and shelf life (days) in every 3 days interval till 21st day. The maximum fruit length (36.16), fruit diameter (34.36) and fruit firmness were observed in fruits treated with coconut oil 100%. Minimum percentage of physiological loss in weight (5.36%) was found in the fruits treated with coconut oil 100%. Whereas, shelf life was found maximum (21 days) in fruits treated with coconut oil 100 % while, it was only 10 days in control fruits. Coconut oil coating increases the shelf life of acid lime by reducing physiological loss in weight and maintaining the fruit firmness.
Study on the visibility of the lateral line of stairway edges in low illuminance environments of visually challenged persons
Authors: Iwata Michico , Kitamoto Hiroyuki
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to provide data that will help to create a safe stairway system for barrier‐free design. This study targets visually challenged persons. Within this context, the authors of this study have sought to evaluate the visibility of linear lines on the edges of stair treads. The authors examined the reasonable contrasts of linear lines and stair treads for their visibility from the top of the stairs. In addition, this study determined the optimum levels of contrast for such design with regard to two target groups.
Treatment Target in Newly Diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Association of Lupus Low Disease Activity State and Remission With Lower Accrual of Early Damage
Authors: Floris Alberto , Piga Matteo , Perra Daniela , Chessa Elisabetta , Congia Mattia , Mathieu Alessandro , Cauli Alberto
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare the effect of achievement and maintenance of Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) and clinical remission (CR) in preventing early damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

In a monocentric cohort of 116 newly diagnosed SLE patients, LLDAS and CR achievement at 6 months (T1) after treatment initiation and their maintenance over the next 12 months were assessed. Early damage was recorded after 18 months of follow‐up (T2) using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association of LLDAS and CR with early damage.

Results

LLDAS was significantly more attained than CR both at T1 (42.2% versus 21.6% of patients; P < 0.001) and T2 (46.6% versus 31.9%; P = 0.022). The overlap rate between persistent LLDAS and persistent CR was 41.7% (n = 15). On multivariate analysis, achievement of CR (odds ratio [OR] 0.07 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.01–0.59], P = 0.015) and LLDAS (OR 0.25 [95% CI 0.06–0.99], P = 0.049) at T1 were independently associated with lower accrual of early damage. Patients who achieved LLDAS (including CR) at T1 and steadily persisted in this condition until T2 developed significantly less damage compared to those who failed to maintain it during the T1–T2 interval (P = 0.003), those who achieved it later than T1 (P < 0.001), or those who had never been in this condition (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although CR is recommended as the primary treatment target in SLE, LLDAS represents a valid alternative in the early stage of SLE management. LLDAS and CR maintenance should be targeted to prevent damage.
Tracing the genetic legacy in the French Caribbean islands: A study of mitochondrial and Y‐chromosome lineages in the Guadeloupe archipelago
Authors: Mendisco Fanny , Pemonge Marie‐Hélène , Romon Thomas , Lafleur Gérard , Richard Gérard , Courtaud Patrice , Deguilloux Marie‐France
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The history of the Caribbean region is marked by numerous and various successive migration waves that resulted in a global blending of African, European, and Amerindian lineages. As the origin and genetic composition of the current population of French Caribbean islands has not been studied to date, we used both mitochondrial DNA and Y‐chromosome markers to complete the characterization of the dynamics of admixture in the Guadeloupe archipelago.

Materials and Methods

We sequenced the mitochondrial hypervariable regions and genotyped mitochondrial and Y‐chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 198 individuals from five localities of the Guadeloupe archipelago.

Results

The maternal haplogroups revealed a blend of 85% African lineages (mainly traced to Western, West‐Central, and South‐Eastern Africa), 12.5% Eurasian lineages, and 0.5% Amerindian lineages. We highlighted disequilibria between European paternal contribution (44%) and European maternal contribution (7%), pointing out an important sexual asymmetry. Finally, the estimated Native American component was strikingly low and supported the near‐extinction of native lineages in the region.

Discussion

We confirmed that all historically known migratory events indeed left a visible genetic imprint in the contemporary Caribbean populations. The data gathered clearly demonstrated the significant impact of the transatlantic slave trade on the Guadeloupean population's constitution. Altogether, the data in our study confirm that in the Caribbean region, human population variation is correlated with colonial and postcolonial policies and unique island histories.
Age‐related tooth wear in African rainforest hunter‐gatherers
Authors: Romero Alejandro , Ramirez‐Rozzi Fernando V. , Cuesta‐Torralvo Elisabeth , Pérez‐Pérez Alejandro
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Central African small‐scale foragers subsist primarily on hunting game activities and wild plant‐food gathering. Starch‐rich tubers are underground storage organs (USOs) and staple food resources in savanna and tropical rainforests. However, little is known about the effect of USO consumption on tooth wear development in living hunter‐gatherers. We report age‐ and sex‐dependent tooth wear rates in forest‐dwelling Baka Pygmies with well‐documented wild‐yam‐tuber‐based diet to explore the long‐term impact of USO mechanical hardness and abrasiveness on the wearing down of the teeth.

Materials and Methods

Percentages of dentine exposure (PDEs) of permanent left mandibular first molars (M1) were recorded using in vivo high‐resolution replicas of Baka individuals (aged 8–33 years), inhabiting Le Bosquet district in Cameroon (Western Africa). Regression and covariance analyses were used to test the effect of individual aging by sex on PDE rates.

Results

We found a strong increase of PDE by age among Baka individuals. No evidence of sexual dimorphism in wear patterns suggests similar sex‐related dietary and masticatory demands during growth. Overall, greatest dentine exposure values ≈4% denote unexpected slow wear down rates for foraging diets relying on USO consumption.

Discussion

The low molar wear rates with age found in Baka Pygmies contrast with extensive wear rates in savanna‐dwelling foragers, reflecting differences in thermal processing techniques affecting fracture toughness and grittiness of mechanically challenging foods. Our findings reveal that culture‐specific dietary proclivities influence tooth wear among foraging behaviors with important implications in hominin dietary versatility and abrasive stress on chewing surfaces.
Spectrum of KV2.1 Dysfunction in KCNB1‐Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Kang Seok Kyu , Vanoye Carlos G. , Misra Sunita N. , Echevarria Dennis M. , Calhoun Jeffrey D. , O'Connor John B. , Fabre Katarina L. , McKnight Dianalee , Demmer Laurie , Goldenberg Paula , Grote Lauren E. , Thiffault Isabelle , Saunders Carol , Strauss Kevin A. , Torkamani Ali , van der Smagt Jasper , van Gassen Koen , Carson Robert P. , Diaz Jullianne , Leon Eyby , Jacher Joseph E. , Hannibal Mark C. , Litwin Jessica , Friedman Neil R. , Schreiber Allison , Lynch Bryan , Poduri Annapurna , Marsh Eric D. , Goldberg Ethan M. , Millichap John J. , George Alfred L. , Kearney Jennifer A.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Pathogenic variants in KCNB1, encoding the voltage‐gated potassium channel KV2.1, are associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Previous functional studies on a limited number of KCNB1 variants indicated a range of molecular mechanisms by which variants affect channel function, including loss of voltage sensitivity, loss of ion selectivity, and reduced cell‐surface expression.

Methods

We evaluated a series of 17 KCNB1 variants associated with DEE or other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) to rapidly ascertain channel dysfunction using high‐throughput functional assays. Specifically, we investigated the biophysical properties and cell‐surface expression of variant KV2.1 channels expressed in heterologous cells using high‐throughput automated electrophysiology and immunocytochemistry–flow cytometry.

Results

Pathogenic variants exhibited diverse functional defects, including altered current density and shifts in the voltage dependence of activation and/or inactivation, as homotetramers or when coexpressed with wild‐type KV2.1. Quantification of protein expression also identified variants with reduced total KV2.1 expression or deficient cell‐surface expression.

Interpretation

Our study establishes a platform for rapid screening of KV2.1 functional defects caused by KCNB1 variants associated with DEE and other NDDs. This will aid in establishing KCNB1 variant pathogenicity and the mechanism of dysfunction, which will enable targeted strategies for therapeutic intervention based on molecular phenotype. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:899–912
Fatal encephalopathy with wild‐type JC virus and ruxolitinib therapy
Authors: Reoma Lauren Bowen , Trindade Christopher Julius , Monaco Maria Chiara , Solis Jamie , Montojo Marta Garcia , Vu Phuong , Johnson Kory , Beck Erin , Nair Govind , Khan Omar I. , Quezado Marta , Hewitt Stephen M. , Reich Daniel S. , Childs Richard , Nath Avindra
Published: October 2019

Objective

JC virus (JCV) infection is a lytic infection of oligodendrocytes in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; less common forms of central nervous system manifestations associated with JCV infection include granule cell neuronopathy, encephalopathy, and meningitis. Presented is the first case of fatal JCV encephalopathy after immunosuppressive therapy that included ruxolitinib.

Methods

Postmortem analysis included next generation sequencing, Sanger sequencing, tissue immunohistochemistry, and formalin‐fixed hemisphere 7T magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

JCV DNA isolated from postmortem tissue samples identified a novel 12bp insertion that altered the transcription site binding pattern in an otherwise “wild‐type virus,” which has long been thought to be the nonpathogenic form of JCV. Anti‐VP1 staining demonstrated infection in cortical neurons, hippocampal neurons, and glial and endothelial cells.

Interpretation

This expands the spectrum of identified JCV diseases associated with broad‐spectrum immunosuppression, including JAK‐STAT inhibitors, and sheds light on an additional neurotropic virus strain of the archetype variety. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:878–884
Carbon Dots in a Matrix: Energy‐Transfer‐Enhanced Room‐Temperature Red Phosphorescence
Authors: Wang Bolun , Yu Yue , Zhang Hongyue , Xuan Yuzhi , Chen Guangrui , Ma Wenyan , Li Jiyang , Yu Jihong
Published: October 2019

High‐efficiency red room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) emissions have been achieved by embedding carbon dots (CDs) in crystalline Mn‐containing open‐framework matrices. The rationale of this strategy relies on two factors: 1) the carbon source, which affects the triplet energy levels of the resulting CDs and thus the spectral overlap and 2) the coordination geometry of the Mn atoms in the crystalline frameworks, which determines the crystal‐field splitting and thus the emission spectra. Embedding the carbon dots into a matrix with 6‐coordinate Mn centers resulted in a strong red RTP with a phosphorescence efficiency of up to 9.6 %, which is higher than that of most reported red RTP materials. The composite material has an ultrahigh optical stability in the presence of strong oxidants, various organic solvents, and strong ultraviolet radiation. A green‐yellow RTP composite was also prepared by using a matrix with 4‐coordinate Mn centers and different carbon precursors.
Estimation of silica flocculation in SBR/BR compounds reinforced with different silica contents from their rheocurves
Authors: Yang Jae‐Kyoung , Park Wonhyeong , Ryu Changseok , Kim Sun Jung , Kim Do Il , Seo Gon , Kim Jong‐Ho , Chung Chang‐Bok
Published: October 2019

The rheocurves of silica‐filled styrene–butadiene/polybutadiene rubber (SBR/BR) compounds containing 3‐octadecyltriethoxy silane (OTES) and bis‐[triethoxysilylpropyl]tetrasulfide (TESPT) were investigated to examine the effects of silica content and silanes on silica flocculation during mixing and cure. SBR/BR compounds without curatives were also prepared to infer the effect of cure on silica flocculation. The maximum torque of the compounds could be deconvoluted to individual source torques such as silica flocculation during mixing and cure, crosslinking of rubber, and coupling between rubber and silica by assuming the independence of silica flocculation from cure and coupling. Torque due to silica flocculation increased with the silica content of the SBR/BR compounds, but its effect was significantly reduced by the addition of OTES or TESPT. TESPT suppressed silica flocculation and facilitated coupling, thus yielding enhanced tensile properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48559.