bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the barriers and enablers to outbreak reporting in the Asia-Pacific region: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Talwar Amish , Katz Rebecca , Kirk Martyn D. , Housen Tambri 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the global capacity for timely outbreak reporting. However, gaps remain in our understanding of barriers and enablers to outbreak reporting, particularly at the local level. Field epidemiology training program (FETP) fellows often participate in the outbreak reporting process as part of both their training and the public health roles they assume after graduating; they therefore represent a potentially valuable source of information for better understanding these barriers and enablers. This study will investigate the barriers and enablers to outbreak reporting through a mixed methods approach that will encompass a review of the existing literature as well as surveying and interviewing FETP trainees and graduates from the Asia-Pacific region.MethodsThis study will begin with a scoping review of the literature to identify existing evidence of barriers and enablers to outbreak reporting. Based on our findings from the scoping review, we will administer a survey to FETP trainees and graduates from the World Health Organization Western Pacific and South-East Asian Regions and conduct interviews with a subset of survey respondents to investigate the survey findings in more detail. We will summarise and compare the survey results according to various country-level economic and political indicators, and we will employ thematic analysis to evaluate the interview responses. Based on the findings from the scoping review, survey, and interviews, we will construct a model to comprehensively describe the various barriers and enablers to outbreak reporting.DiscussionThis study will contribute to our understanding of the determinants of outbreak reporting across several geographic, political, and economic contexts by eliciting the viewpoints and experiences of persons involved with outbreak reporting, particularly at the local level. This information will help improve the outbreak reporting process, allowing for more timely reporting and helping prevent future outbreaks from becoming pandemics.
Making a Case for an Autism-Specific Multimorbidity Index: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Sosenko Filip , Nijhof Dewy , McKernan Ward Laura , Cairns Deborah , Hughes Laura , Rydzeswka Ewelina 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAutistic people experience challenges in healthcare, including disparities in health outcomes and multimorbidity patterns distinct from the general population. This study investigated the efficacy of existing multimorbidity indices in predicting COVID-19 mortality among autistic adults and proposes a bespoke index, the ASD-MI, tailored to their specific health profile. Using data from the CVD-COVID-UK/COVID-IMPACT Consortium, encompassing England’s entire population, we identified 1,027 autistic adults hospitalized for COVID-19, among whom 62 died due to the virus. Employing logistic regression with 5-fold cross-validation, we selected diabetes, coronary heart disease, and thyroid disorders as predictors for the ASD-MI, outperforming the Quan Index, a general population-based measure, with an AUC of 0.872 versus 0.828, respectively. Notably, the ASD-MI exhibited better model fit (pseudo-R2 0.25) compared to the Quan Index (pseudo-R2 0.20). These findings underscore the need for tailored indices in predicting mortality risks among autistic individuals. However, caution is warranted in interpreting results, given the limited understanding of morbidity burden in this population. Further research is needed to refine autism-specific indices and elucidate the complex interplay between long-term conditions and mortality risk, informing targeted interventions to address health disparities in autistic adults. This study highlights the importance of developing healthcare tools tailored to the unique needs of neurodivergent populations to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities.
EFFICACY OF STEVIA REBAUDIANA BERTONI ON LEVELS OF GCF GLUCOSE AND BIO-MARKERS IN DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH PERIODONTITIS-A SPLIT MOUTH RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Chandra Rampalli Viswa , Komaravelli Nandini , Reddy Aileni Amarendhar 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAim & ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Stevia rebaudiana bertoni on GCF glucose levels and GCF bio-markers in diabetic patients with periodontitis.Patients and methods19 subjects were participated in the study. Randomly, a quadrant was allotted as test site for placing Stevia gel and other quadrant was allotted as a control site for placing placebo in the gingival sulcus having PD≥ 5mm after performing thorough scaling and root planing. GCF samples was collected using sterile paper strips at baseline i.e., after scaling and root planing, 3 months and 6 months using intra-crevicular superficial method. GCF samples was eluted from the strips by placing them in Eppendorf® tubes that contained 500 micro-litre of buffer and will be stored at -80℃ until analysis was done. The levels of GCF glucose and GCF bio-markers was evaluated by using commercially available ELISA kit.ResultsStevia gel was effective in decreasing the GCF glucose and increasing ghrelin levels in diabetic patients with periodontitis. There was significant difference in clinical parameters in both test and control groups.ConclusionThis study concluded that application of Stevia gel in gingival crevice may be of value in controlling diabetes and periodontitis at a time.
A mixed methods study exploring food insecurity and diet quality in households accessing food clubs in England
Authors: Ziauddeen Nida , Taylor Elizabeth , Alwan Nisreen A , Richards Fran , Margetts Barrie , Lloyd Tim , Disegna Marta , Mason Naomi , Taheem Ravita , Smith Dianna 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundFood clubs are a higher-agency food aid intervention that charge a small fee for a set number of items. Some incorporate longer-term solutions such as budgeting support and cooking skills. These are in place in England to help address inadequate reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. We used a convergent parallel mixed methods design to describe the food insecurity households accessing food clubs experience and to assess diet quality and wellbeing at the start and after at least three months of using food clubs in the South of England.MethodsParticipants accessing food clubs in Wessex from March 31 to November 3, 2022 were recruited after providing informed consent. They completed a survey at recruitment that collected data on diet and health. Food security was assessed using the modified six-item US Department of Agriculture (USDA) food security survey module, and wellbeing using the short form Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). Follow-up surveys were conducted after participants used the clubs for at least three months. Participants were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview.ResultsOf the 90 participants recruited at baseline, 52% were aged 35–54 years, 74% were female, 81% were of White ethnicity, and 71% reported having at least one dependent child. Food security status was calculated in 69 participants who answered all six questions of the USDA module, with 42% reporting low and 43% very low food security. Among participants with follow-up (n=52), low food security was 41% and very low food security was 18% at follow-up.Eleven participants were interviewed. Two themes explored impact and experiences of food club. Impact illustrated how participants consumed a more varied diet, experienced less financial pressure, and improved health, wellbeing and social interaction. Experiences of food clubs explored limitations of time and food range at clubs, developing a sense of community and overcoming stigma.ConclusionThis study is the first in the UK to explore potential diet, food security and wellbeing impacts of food clubs. Ongoing impact evaluation will enable optimisation of interventions for the populations they serve, such as inviting other organisations/groups to attend/be available for members.
Longitudinal Evolution of Diffusion Metrices in the Cerebello-Thalamo-Cortical Tract After MRgFUS Thalamotomy for Essential Tremor
Authors: Upadhyay Neeraj , Daamen Marcel , Purrer Veronika , Borger Valeri , Schmeel Carsten , Krauß Jonas , Maurer Angelika , Radbruch Alexander , Wüllner Ullrich , Boecker Henning 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMagnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy in essential tremor (ET) targets the ventral intermediate nucleus hub region within the cerebello-thalamo-cortical tract (CTCT). Understanding the microstructural changes in the CTCT over time and their link to tremor improvement is crucial from a tremor-network perspective. We retrospectively analyzed tremor scores, lesion characteristics, and diffusion MRI-derived CTCT microstructural measures in 27 ET patient’s pre-treatment (T0), at 1 month (T2), and 6 months (T3) post-MRgFUS. Using probabilistic tractography, we created an average CTCT mask for assessing fractional anisotropy (FA), axial (AD), mean (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) measures across time points. Significant tremor reduction was observed at T2 and T3. The Linear mixed effect analyses showed significant time effects for FA, MD, and AD. Relative to baseline, post-hoc comparisons showed a significant decrease of FA and AD at lesion site only for T2. Instead, there was a significant increase in AD and MD at T3 compared to T2 at lesion site, and remotely near the motor cortex. Lesion size and FA changes in the CTCT at T2 showed only trend-level correlations with tremor outcome. Stronger associations were observed for the thalamic lesion-tract overlap at T2, which were even more robust at T3. Dynamic microstructural changes suggest early axonal disruption at the lesion site and subsequent reorganization, with remote CTCT changes potentially indicating chronic degeneration. Meanwhile, microstructural measures show limited predictive value for longer-term tremor outcome compared with macroanatomical lesion-CTCT overlap. Yet, advanced diffusion imaging protocol could increase the sensitivity to predict MRgFUS clinical outcome.
Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia Future Aspects: A Meta-analysis of Clinical Features and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Shaheen Nour , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Samaniego Edgar A , Mastorakos Panagiotis , Gooch Michael Reid , Jabbour Pascal , Flouty Oliver , Dlouhy Kathleen , Zanaty Mario 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundDolichoectatic Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysm (DVBFAs) presents a clinical challenge due to its complex anatomical features and associated neurological complications. This meta-analysis evaluates the clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT), open surgery, and conservative management for VBDA.MethodsA systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify studies reporting on radiologically confirmed DVBFAs. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mortality rates. Meta-regression was performed to identify potential predictors of treatment outcomes.ResultsTen studies with 219 patients were analyzed. Of the cohort, 58.4% underwent EVT, 24.6% received open surgery, and 16.9% were managed conservatively. The overall proportion of patients achieving a good clinical outcome (mRS <3) was 46.8%, with EVT showing the highest proportion at 59.4%, compared to 32.3% for open surgery and 24.7% for conservative management (p = 0.0145). The overall mortality rate was 25.98%, with EVT having the lowest mortality rate at 10.06%, followed by open surgery at 44.44% and conservative management at 63.30% (p = 0.0004). Subgroup analyses revealed statistically significant differences between treatment approaches in clinical outcomes and mortality.ConclusionEVT appears to provide better clinical outcomes for DVBFAs, though mortality rates remain high across all treatment modalities. The absence of significant differences in subgroup analysis suggests the need for further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of EVT vs. conservative management to establish definitive treatment guidelines.
Salience Network Segregation and Symptom Profiles in Psychosis Prodrome Subgroups
Authors: Iyer Aditya , Stanford William , Dayan Eran , Xavier Rose Mary 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding neurobiological similarities between individuals with prodromal psychosis symptoms can improve early identification and intervention strategies. Here, we aimed to (i) identify neurobiologically similar groups by integrating resting-state functional connectivity and prodromal symptom data and (ii) discern discriminating symptom profiles and brain connectivity patterns in the identified sub-groups.MethodsOur sample (N=922) was extracted from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort and included individuals ages 12-21 years with fMRI and self-reported psychopathology data. Analyses were conducted separately for youth and early adults. We first constructed a two-layer network using pair-wise similarity distances between participants based on resting-state functional connectivity and prodromal positive psychosis symptoms. We then performed community detection via a multiplex stochastic block model to identify subject clusters.ResultsWe identified 2 blocks or communities for both the youth (n=458 and 179) and early adult (n=173 and 112) groups. Connection parameter estimates of the neuroimaging layer were nearly identical between blocks for both age groups whereas there was significant variation for the symptom layer. Psychopathology symptom and brain system segregation profiles were consistent across age groups. The youth block (n=458) with higher salience network segregation values had higher mean scores for prodromal symptoms. However, the early adult block (n=173) with lower salience network segregation had higher mean prodromal scores.ConclusionsBy integrating global similarities in brain connectivity and prodromal symptoms, we identified distinct subgroups. These groups show differences in symptom profiles and network segregation in youth and early adults, indicating significant variations in developmental paths for psychosis spectrum.
Spatial mRNA profiling using Rapid Amplified Multiplexed-FISH (RAM-FISH)
Authors: Banerjee Tirtha Das , Raine Joshua , Mathuru Ajay S. , Chen Kok Hao , Monteiro Antónia 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLocalizing multiple RNA molecules simultaneously in intact tissues and organs is valuable for gaining insights into possible gene-regulatory interactions underlying cell differentiation. Existing technologies for multiplexed RNA localization are expensive, computationally complex, have elaborate sample preparation steps, have size limitations, and require weeks of processing time. This limits the widespread use of such techniques in most labs. Here we describe a cost-effective methodology, Rapid Amplified Multiplexed-FISH (or RAM-FISH), based on Hybridization Chain Reaction 3.0 for localizing dozens of transcripts in the same sample. This methodology achieves multiplexing by localizing 3 genes per cycle to detect 30 or more genes within a few days. The method can be applied to fixed tissue sections, entire organs, or whole organisms such as larvalDanio rerio, without extensive sample preparation steps. The automation used here can also be adapted to perform other amplification-based FISH. Here, we demonstrate its utility, flexibility, and versatility for gene expression analysis in two very different types of samples,Bicyclus anynanabutterfly larval wings and intact 10-day-oldDanio reriofish larvae.
Reciprocal nutritional benefits in a sponge-seagrass association
Authors: Cardini U. , Montilla L.M. , Zapata-Hernández G. , Berlinghof J. , Guarcini E. , Furia M. , Margiotta F. , Meador T.B. , Wild C. , Fraschetti S. , Olivé I. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSponges commonly form associations within seagrass meadows, but their potential impact on seagrass productivity and nutrient cycles remains poorly understood. This study investigates the association between the demospongeChondrilla nuculaand the Mediterranean seagrassPosidonia oceanicain two sampling occasions during the plant growth (spring) and senescence (autumn) seasons at a small inlet near Naples, Italy, where the sponge grows conspicuously within the seagrass bed. We found a non-linear relationship between the benthic cover of the sponge and the seagrass, with higherC. nuculacover linked to intermediateP. oceanicacover, suggesting spatial dependence.P. oceanicashowed higher net primary production (NPP) in spring, whileC. nuculawas net heterotrophic in spring but exhibited slightly positive NPP in autumn. NPP remained stable when the two organisms were associated, regardless of the season.C. nuculaconsistently contributed inorganic nutrients to the association in the form of phosphate, ammonium, and substantial nitrate, recycling nutrients that potentially benefitedP. oceanicain its growth season. In return, the seagrass consistently provided dissolved organic carbon, which aided sponge nutrition in spring. These findings suggest reciprocal benefits in the interaction betweenC. nuculaandP. oceanica, with nutrient exchange facilitating a facultative mutualism that potentially supports and stabilizes the productivity of the seagrass ecosystem.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study provides a novel exploration of the reciprocal interactions between the demospongeChondrilla nuculaand the Mediterranean seagrassPosidonia oceanica, revealing a facultative mutualism mediated by nutrient exchange. Our findings show a non-linear spatial dependence between sponge and seagrass cover and demonstrate the sponge’s substantial contributions of inorganic nutrients (phosphate, ammonium and conspicuous nitrate) to the seagrass, particularly during its productive spring season. In return,P. oceanicasupplies dissolved organic matter, aiding sponge nutrition. This study uniquely quantifies these reciprocal nutrient exchanges across the plant growth and senescence seasons, demonstrating how such interactions stabilize net primary production and support ecosystem functioning. These insights address a critical gap in understanding the role of sponge-seagrass associations in nutrient cycling, highlighting their significance for the resilience, productivity, and metabolic balance of coastal ecosystems under changing environmental conditions.
Phase reset dynamics of memory encoding
Authors: Colyer Ryan A. , Kahana Michael J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHuman and animal studies have implicated oscillatory reset following a behaviorally relevant stimulus in learning and memory function. Here we asked whether phase reset predicts the dynamics of memory encoding for subsequently recalled and forgotten items. Our dataset comprised 188 neurosurgical patients (99 male, 89 female) who studied lists of common words for a subsequent delayed free recall test. We observed significant 3–21 Hz overall phase reset widespread throughout the brain in the 125–500 ms interval following stimulus presentation for both subsequently recalled and forgotten items. We found that the increased recalls of the primacy effect correlated significantly and exclusively with theta phase reset from 3–7 Hz throughout the brain. When controlling for serial position effects and examining the phase consistency differences of subsequently recalled and forgotten items, we identified both a theta (3–6 Hz) and an alpha (9–14 Hz) component of phase reset. Examined separately, early list items revealed a significant theta phase reset difference, while later list items revealed a significant alpha phase reset difference for subsequently recalled items. In regional analyses, the lateral temporal cortex exhibited a significant theta phase reset difference, while the prefrontal cortex revealed both a significant theta and a significant alpha phase reset difference for subsequently recalled items. These findings support the view that oscillatory reset serves an important role in encoding new episodic associations, and reveal differing oscillatory mechanisms across theta and alpha bands for serial position effects of phase reset versus serial position controlled subsequent recall.Significance StatementIn 188 neurosurgical patients we examined the relationship of memory function with oscillatory phase consistency in response to word encoding events in a delayed free recall task. We innovated a new approach to computing a phase consistency score with robustness across sample size differences. Using this method, we showed a significant serial position correlate across subjects with primacy regions exhibiting a clear increase in theta phase consistency (3–7 Hz). After controlling for serial position effects, we also observed a significant effect of both increased theta phase consistency (3–6 Hz) and increased alpha phase consistency (9–14 Hz) for subsequently recalled versus forgotten items. This improves our understanding of the multi-faceted role of frequency-specific phase resetting in episodic memory encoding.
DISTRIBUTION OF LIVING (ROSE BENGAL STAINED) BENTHIC FORAMINIFERA IN COPANO, ARANSAS, AND REDFISH BAYS, CENTRAL TEXAS COAST
Authors: Barrera Anna , Lowery Christopher M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA combination of human development and climate change have the potential to impact ecosystems in the ecologically, economically, and culturally important bays of the Texas Coastal Bend in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. To determine the extent to which potential impacts are becoming actual impacts, population studies are necessary. Here, we report populations for living benthic foraminifera from three bays collected in May 2023 and 2024. We find the bays largely dominated byAmmonia, a shift from the last complete census carried out by Frances Parker and colleagues in 1951 during a multiyear drought. We see no correlation between predominance facies and salinity within our samples, although we only record a salinity range of 25-30 PSU, a small fraction of the possible range of ∼10-40 PSU in these bays. We do observe a relationship between sediment grain size and predominance facies, withAmmoniamore common in finer grained environments.
Antibodies disrupt bacterial adhesion by ligand mimicry and allosteric interference
Authors: Hvorecny Kelli L. , Interlandi Gianluca , Veth Tim S. , Aprikian Pavel , Manchenko Anna , Tchesnokova Veronika L. , Dickinson Miles S. , Quispe Joel D. , Riley Nicholas M. , Klevit Rachel E. , Magala Pearl , Sokurenko Evgeni V. , Kollman Justin M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA critical step in infections is the attachment of many microorganisms to host cells using lectins that bind surface glycans, making lectins promising antimicrobial targets. Upon binding mannosylated glycans, FimH, the most studied lectin adhesin of type 1 fimbriae inE. coli, undergoes an allosteric transition from an inactive to an active conformation that can act as a catch-bond. Monoclonal antibodies that alter FimH glycan binding in various ways are available, but the mechanisms of these antibodies remain unclear. Here, we use cryoEM, mass spectrometry, binding assays, and molecular dynamics simulations to determine the structure-function relationships underlying antibody-FimH binding. Our study reveals four distinct antibody mechanisms of action: ligand mimicry by an N-linked, high-mannose glycan; stabilization of the ligand pocket in the inactive state; conformational trapping of the active and inactive states; and locking of the ligand pocket through long-range allosteric effects. These structures reveal multiple mechanisms of antibody responses to an allosteric protein and provide blueprints for new antimicrobial that target adhesins.