bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elizabethkingia bloodstream infections in severely immunocompromised patients: persistent, relapsing and associated with high mortality
Authors: Fahmy Mark , Stewart Adam , Tey Siok-Keen , Hajkowicz Krispin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Elizabethkingia species are uncommon causes of bloodstream infections, representing a true opportunistic and multi-drug-resistant pathogen to immunocompromised or vulnerable hosts. Despite this, data are lacking regarding optimal management strategy for infections with this organism, which is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. We describe patient characteristics, management and outcomes in this case series.

Patients and methods
All inpatients at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with a positive blood culture for Elizabethkingia spp. were identified by database query. Clinical information including medical history, source of infection, attempts at source control and outcome were collected. Laboratory data including duration of bacteraemia and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were also collected.

Results
All patients had severe defects of innate and adaptive immunity. Targeted therapy was started promptly and efforts at source identification and control were appropriately pursued. Despite this, outcomes were generally poor. A previously unrecognized presentation of relapsing infection was described in one case, requiring long-term suppressive antimicrobials to control. One case died as a result of infection and one case was cured, but died soon after due to complications of immunosuppression.

Conclusions
Treatment of these organisms is challenging due to limited effective therapy, development of on treatment resistance and profound host immunocompromise. Up-front use of multiple, optimally dosed antimicrobials, attempting source control and attempting to restore host immune function all appear to be key to achieving good outcomes.
Enhanced d-pantothenic acid biosynthesis by plasmid-free Escherichia coli through sodium pyruvate addition combined with glucose and temperature control strategy
Authors: Zhou Hai-Yan , Peng Jin-Bang , Chen Yi-Hong , Yang Zi-Jian , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Zheng Yu-Guo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims
d-pantothenic acid (d-PA) is an important vitamin widely used in the feed, pharmaceutical, and food industries. This study aims to enhance the d-PA production of a recombinant Escherichia coli without plasmid and inducer induction.

Methods and results
The fermentation medium in shake flask was optimized, resulting in a 39.50% increased d-PA titer (3.32 g l−1). Subsequently, the fed-batch fermentation in a 5-l fermenter was specifically investigated. First, a two-stage temperature control strategy led to a d-PA titer of 52.09 g l−1. Additionally, a two-stage glucose feeding was proposed and d-PA titer was increased to 65.29 g l−1. It was also found that an appropriate amount of sodium pyruvate was beneficial to cell growth and d-PA synthesis. Finally, a two-stage glucose feeding combined with sodium pyruvate addition resulted in a substantially improved d-PA production with a titer of 72.90 g l−1.

Conclusion
The d-PA synthesis was significantly improved through the fermentation process established in this work, i.e. sodium pyruvate addition combined with the temperature and glucose control strategy. The results of this study could provide significant reference for the industrial fermentation production of d-PA.
Cancer chemotherapy in pregnancy and adverse pediatric outcomes: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Metcalfe Amy , Cairncross Zoe F , McMorris Carly A , Friedenreich Christine M , Nelson Gregg , Bhatti Parveen , Fell Deshayne B , Lisonkova Sarka , Sikdar Khokan C , Shack Lorraine , Ray Joel G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Administration of chemotherapy during pregnancy is often delayed, while preterm delivery is common. If in utero exposure to chemotherapy is associated with adverse pediatric outcomes, it is unknown whether that relationship is directly attributable to the chemotherapy or is mediated by preterm birth.

Methods
Patients were identified from Canadian cancer registries and administrative data in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, 2003-2017, with follow-up until 2018. The primary exposure was receipt of chemotherapy during pregnancy. Severe neonatal morbidity and mortality (SNM-M), neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities (NDDs), and pediatric complex chronic conditions (PCCC) reflected short- and long-term pediatric outcomes. Modified Poisson and Cox proportional hazard regression models generated adjusted risk ratios (RR) and hazard ratios (HR), respectively. The influence of preterm birth on the association between exposure to chemotherapy in pregnancy and each study outcome was explored using mediation analysis.

Results
Of the 1150 incident cases of cancer during pregnancy, 142 (12.3%) received chemotherapy during pregnancy. Exposure to chemotherapy in pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of SNM-M (RR = 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13 to 2.46), but not NDD (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.71 to 1.22) or PCCC (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.80 to 1.16). Preterm birth less than 34 and less than 37 weeks mediated 75.8% and 100% of the observed association between chemotherapy and SNM-M, respectively.

Conclusions
Most children born to people with cancer during pregnancy appear to have favorable long-term outcomes, even after exposure to chemotherapy in pregnancy. However, preterm birth is quite common and may contribute to increased rates of adverse neonatal outcomes.
GABA transport: beyond stress? A closer look at AtGAT2
Authors: Tayengwa Reuben 
Published: October 2024

This article comments on:
Meier S, Bautzmann R, Komarova NY, Ernst V, Suter Grotemeyer M, Schröder K, Haindrich AC, Vega Fernández A, Robert CAM, Ward JM, Rentsch D. 2024. Stress-regulated Arabidopsis GAT2 is a low affinity γ-aminobutyric acid transporter. Journal of Experimental Botany 75, 6295–6311 https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erae321
Geraniol inhibits both planktonic cells and biofilms of the Candida parapsilosis species complex: Highlight for the improved efficacy of amphotericin B, caspofungin and fluconazole plus Geraniol
Authors: Sidrim José Júlio Costa , Martins Daniel Vieira , da Rocha Maria Gleiciane , Araújo Géssica dos Santos , Cordeiro Rossana de Aguiar , Guedes Glaucia Morgana de Melo , Pereira-Neto Waldemiro de Aquino , Castelo-Branco Débora de Souza Collares Maia , Rocha Marcos Fábio Gadelha 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The Candida parapsilosis species complex poses a recognized threat to the nosocomial environment. In the scenario of the global rise of resistant strains to antifungals, geraniol, a terpene isolated from different essential oils, has shown promising antimicrobial activity. We evaluated: (1) the effects of geraniol against the C. parapsilosis species complex, in planktonic and biofilm forms; (2) the strains’ susceptibility to clinical antifungals and (3) the geraniol interaction with antifungals. Eighteen isolates were subjected to in vitro susceptibility testing by the broth microdilution protocol, using geraniol, amphotericin B, caspofungin, itraconazole and fluconazole to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and subsequently, we measured the fungicidal activity. Geraniol was tested against biofilms by the measurement of the metabolic activity and biomass. Pharmacological interactions were performed by the checkerboard method. Geraniol's MIC range was between 256 and 512 µg/ml. MIC range for clinical antifungals was ≤ 0.031–4 µg/ml. Geraniol also showed antibiofilm activity with average reductions of metabolic activity (38.33%) and biomass (30.69%), at MIC concentration. Furthermore, geraniol showed synergistic/additive effects with antifungals. Briefly, geraniol inhibits both planktonic cells and biofilms of the C. parapsilosis species complex and besides it improves the efficacy of amphotericin B, caspofungin and fluconazole.
miR-644a is a tumor cell-intrinsic mediator of sex bias in glioblastoma
Authors: Hong Ellen S , Wang Sabrina Z , Ponti András K , Hajdari Nicole , Lee Juyeun , Mulkearns-Hubert Erin E , Volovetz Josephine , Kay Kristen E , Lathia Justin D , Dhawan Andrew 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Biological sex is an important risk factor for glioblastoma (GBM), with males having a higher incidence and poorer prognosis. The mechanisms for this sex bias are thought to be both tumor intrinsic and tumor extrinsic. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), key posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression, have been previously linked to sex differences in various cell types and diseases, but their role in the sex bias of GBM remains unknown.

Methods
We leveraged previously published paired miRNA and mRNA sequencing of 39 GBM patients (22 male, 17 female) to identify sex-biased miRNAs. We further interrogated a separate single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset of 110 GBM patients to examine whether differences in miRNA target gene expression were tumor cell-intrinsic or tumor cell extrinsic. Results were validated in a panel of patient-derived cell models.

Results
We identified 10 sex-biased miRNAs (padjusted &lt; .1), of which 3 were more highly expressed in males and 7 more highly expressed in females. Of these, miR-644a was higher in females, and increased expression of miR-644a target genes was significantly associated with decreased overall survival (HR 1.3, P = .02). Furthermore, analysis of an independent single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset confirmed sex-specific expression of miR-644a target genes in tumor cells (P &lt; 10−15). Among patient-derived models, miR-644a was expressed a median of 4.8-fold higher in females compared to males.

Conclusions
Our findings implicate miR-644a as a candidate tumor cell-intrinsic regulator of sex-biased gene expression in GBM.
An interview with Professor Benjamin Becker: understanding our brain and mental disorders requires collaboration across all disciplines
Authors: Cui (崔龙彪) Long-Biao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
From July 20 to 22, 2024, the ISMRM Endorsed Workshop on MR for Psychiatry was held in Chengdu City, China. This prestigious event attracted numerous academic elites worldwide, and Professor Benjamin Becker from the University of Hong Kong was invited. On the morning of July 20, during the “Advances in MR Technology” session, Professor Becker delivered an engaging lecture entitled “Novel approaches to precision MRI-imaging of human emotion.” His presentation was met with great enthusiasm and sparked lively discussions among the participants. Following the conference, the Psychoradiology journal interviewed Professor Becker. In the interview, Benjamin emphasized the significant role of interdisciplinary collaboration, spanning various fields including psychology, neuroscience, clinical medicine, biomedical engineering, and computer science. Professor Becker firmly believed that such collaboration was crucial for a deeper understanding of the brain and psychiatric disorders. Additionally, he highly valued the importance of international cooperation, especially in addressing global mental health issues and challenges related to psychiatric disorders.
War Reparations, Structural Change, and Intergenerational Mobility
Authors: Mitrunen Matti 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
From 1944 to 1952, largely agrarian Finland had to export, on average, 4% of its yearly GDP in industrial products to the Soviet Union as war reparations. To meet the reparation demands, the Finnish state needed to provide extensive temporary support to Soviet-assigned industries with insufficient production capacity. This article documents the long-term effects of this extensive and temporary industrial policy on industrial and local development and on individual outcomes. Using newly digitized data sets, I show in a difference-in-differences setup that the short-term nonmarket production persistently and significantly increased the employment and production of the manufacturing industries exposed to the policy. These industries plausibly benefited from large initial investments and exposure to export markets associated with the war reparations. The episode further led to local development and structural change, as the more exposed regions became persistently more industrialized. I substantiate these within-Finland results with triple-difference setups using comparable Norwegian data. I use Finnish administrative data to study the long-term individual effects of the episode. Tracking individuals over 30 years, I show that the initial state investments and the persistent change in the local industrial structure increased long-term incomes, led to more educational attainment, and promoted the upward mobility of children and young adults in the more exposed regions before the war reparations period. The observed effects are driven by the more advanced heavy industry, which received the majority of state assistance.
Current Self-reported Pain Before and After Cure of Hepatitis C Among Persons Who Actively Inject Drugs
Authors: Tsui Judith I. , Ludwig-Barron Natasha T. , James Jocelyn R. , Heo Moonseong , Sivaraj Laksika B. , Arnsten Julia , Lum Paula J. , Taylor Lynn E. , Mehta Shruti H. , Falade-Nwulia Oluwaseun , Feinberg Judith , Kim Arthur Y. , Norton Brianna , Page Kimberly , Litwin Alain H. 
Published: October 2024

Background
Questions remain on the relationship between pain and hepatitis C virus cure among persons who inject drugs (PWID). This study aimed to explore whether achieving hepatitis C virus cure reduced pain severity.

Methods
Prespecified secondary analysis utilized data from a pragmatic clinical trial of care delivery models that enrolled PWIDs between 2016 and 2018 and treated with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. Current pain severity (0–100) was assessed before and after treatment and 5-point Likert pain scales were used to determine moderate or greater current pain at baseline; the duration and etiology of current pain were not assessed. We used generalized mixed-effects linear models to test whether achieving sustained virologic response (SVR), that is, cure, was associated with lower numeric pain scores (primary outcome) posttreatment, adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, intervention assignment, time/visit, and baseline pain severity category) and to examine changes in pain over time. Adjusted means estimated from a fitted model for pain severity at each visit were compared between participants who did and did not achieve SVR, both for the sample overall and for the subsample of participants who reported moderate or greater pain at baseline.

Results
Of the 501 participants who were randomized, treated with DAAs and had SVR data, moderate or greater pain was reported at baseline in 174 (34.7%) of participants. Numeric pain severity did not significantly differ by SVR status at any study visit except for the week 48 visit from baseline, when the estimated pain score was significantly higher for those who failed treatment (38.0 vs 26.3, P = 0.033). Among the subsample with baseline moderate or greater pain, pain severity scores were significantly lower in subsequent visits compared to the baseline visit, with the exception of week 48 among participants who did not achieve SVR.

Conclusions
Among PWID, achieving SVR did not improve pain severity. However, participants who failed treatment had significantly greater pain at the visit immediately following visit for SVR, which may relate to adverse psychological effects of treatment failure. Among those with baseline moderate or greater pain, pain scores declined post treatment, suggesting that treatment itself (irrespective of SVR) may be associated with improved pain.
The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Liver Diseases and Potential Phytochemical Treatments
Authors: Balaji Dhanvee , Balakrishnan Ranjith , Srinivasan Dhasarathdev , Subbarayan Rajasekaran , Shrestha Rupendra , Srivastava Nityanand , Chauhan Ankush 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has brought about numerous challenges. One of these challenges is the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the liver. Although this virus primarily affects the lungs, it can induce elevated transaminase levels and the development of scar tissue in the liver, exacerbating preexisting liver conditions. Individuals with preexisting conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-induced liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, face an increased risk of mortality from COVID-19. However, drugs currently used to treat COVID-19 have undesirable side effects, which make them unsuitable for patients with preexisting liver conditions. In this review, we explore the potential of phytochemicals, such as apigenin, berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, quercetin, resveratrol and silymarin, for treatment of the liver conditions, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-induced liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. We also discuss significant associations between phytochemicals and COVID-19 by depicting their molecular interactions. Based on the discussed overlapping functions, it is important to assess the therapeutic efficacy of phytochemicals that possess hepatoprotective properties as potential alternative treatments for COVID-19.
Eosinophilic Meningitis in a Patient With Early HIV Infection, Latent Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Meningitis
Authors: Deng Chaowen , Yang Qingyan , Li Lina , Xing Fanfan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Eosinophilic meningitis is an unusual condition, particularly in patients with HIV infection or syphilis. The detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 and HIV-1 in cerebrospinal fluid from a patient with acute eosinophilic meningitis has not been previously reported. Herein, we report a case of a 26-year-old cisgender man newly diagnosed with HIV-1 infection and latent syphilis, who presented with headache and low-grade fever. He was diagnosed with both acute eosinophilic meningitis and HSV-2 meningitis, and his condition improved after treatment with acyclovir and penicillin. The compelling case indicates that HSV-2 meningitis may manifest concurrently with acute eosinophilia meningitis in patients coinfected with HIV and Treponema pallidum. Metagenomics next-generation sequencing plays an important role in identifying and further confirming pathogens responsible for central nervous system infections.
An Innovative Model to Add Mindfulness to Total Worker Health Training
Authors: Kuehl Kerry S. , Elliot Diane L. , DeFrancesco Carol , McGinnis Wendy , Ek Susanna , Van Horne Allee , Kempany Katherine , Garg Bharti 
Published: October 2024

Objective
To assess a novel worksite wellness program to enhance mindfulness and well-being of corrections professionals.

Methods
This is a quasi-experimental prospective study of a total worker health and mindfulness program. Sessions were observed. Prestudy and poststudy surveys assessed program outcomes and poststudy-only surveys evaluated acceptability.

Results
The intervention was feasible and delivered with high fidelity. Participants uniformly rated the program highly and would recommend it to others. Almost half were doing brief daily meditations after the program, and most gained abilities to use breathing to reduce stress (P < 0.001). Significant positive changes also were observed in vigorous physical activity (P = 0.01), sleep (P < 0.001), and knowledge of the recommended health maintenance components (P < 0.005).

Conclusions
This 12-week worksite wellness program is innovative combining a health and safety e-learning curriculum with a group format to promote mindfulness. This positive proof-of-concept trial is a new model for adding mindfulness training to other components of Total Worker Health.
Early Targeted Heart Rate Aerobic Exercise Reduces Proportion of Subacute Musculoskeletal Injuries After Recovery From Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Leddy John J. , Witte Matthew , Chizuk Haley M. , Willer Barry S. , Miecznikowski Jeffrey C. , Master Christina L. , Mannix Rebekah C. , Meehan William P. , Haider Mohammad N. 
Published: October 2024

Objective:
There is greater risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injury after clinical recovery from sport-related concussion (SRC). We determined whether aerobic exercise treatment within 10 days of SRC reduced the proportion of MSK injury in recovered adolescent athletes at 4 months since injury.

Design:
Planned secondary analysis of a randomized trial of aerobic exercise versus stretching exercise in adolescents after SRC.

Setting:
Outpatient and hospital-based sports medicine centers.

Participants:
Aerobic exercise (n = 38, 58% male, 15.6 years) and stretching exercise (n = 25, 64% male, 15.9 years) participants completed a questionnaire at 3.5 and 3.3 months since recovery, respectively.

Interventions:
Individualized subthreshold aerobic exercise versus placebo-like stretching.

Main Outcome Measures:
Proportion of MSK injury, subsequent concussion, and return to exercise training, school, and sport determined 3 months after clinical recovery from SRC.

Results:
Overall, 24% of participants randomized to stretching experienced an MSK injury versus 5.3% of participants randomized to aerobic exercise. There was no difference in time to return to school, sport, or incidence of subsequent concussion. Stretching participants were 6.4 times (95% confidence interval 1.135–36.053) more likely to sustain MSK injury than aerobic exercise participants when controlling for the duration of exposure to sport and return to preinjury sport participation. All injuries were in male participants.

Conclusion:
Adolescent male athletes prescribed aerobic exercise within 10 days of SRC had a significantly lower proportion of individuals injured in the 3 months following clinical recovery when compared with stretching. This may be due to a habituation/rehabilitation effect of aerobic activities to improve autonomic, vestibular, and/or oculomotor function after SRC.
Revised Classification of Inner Ear Schwannomas
Authors: Plontke Stefan K. , Lloyd Simon K.W. , Freeman Simon R.M. , Kösling Sabrina , Arnoldner Christoph , Biggs Nigel , Borsetto Daniele , Gubbels Samuel , Hess-Erga Janette , Koo Ja-Won , Lohse Christine M. , Marinelli John P. , di Micco Riccardo , Nassiri Ashley M. , Rahne Torsten , Scheffler Jonas , Cayé-Thomasen Per , Carlson Matthew L. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Over the past two decades, there has been increasing interest in the diagnosis and management of schwannomas of the inner ear including hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implants. However, tumor nomenclature and classification within the literature have been variable and oftentimes cumbersome. The term “intralabyrinthine schwannoma” is in common use when describing these tumors but is a potential source of confusion given that people often use the term “labyrinth” or “labyrinthine” to refer to the vestibular component of the inner ear only (i.e., labyrinthectomy or the translabyrinthine approach).
During the Ninth Quadrennial Conference on Vestibular Schwannoma and Other Cerebellopontine Angle Lesions in Bergen, Norway, in May 2023, a multidisciplinary group of conference participants met and discussed issues pertaining to current terminology and classifications to enhance clarity and to reflect recent advances in tumor management and hearing rehabilitation.
Although a variety of terms have been previously used to describe inner ear schwannomas, consensus was achieved on the term “inner ear schwannoma (IES)” to describe eighth nerve schwannomas of the cochlea, vestibule, or semicircular canals. Subgroups under this term comprise intravestibular, intracochlear, or intravestibulocochlear inner ear schwannomas (low complexity tumors), inner ear schwannomas with transfundal extension into the internal auditory canal but without modiolar involvement (intermediate complexity tumors), and inner ear schwannomas with transfundal extension with modiolar involvement (high complexity tumors).
The details of the recommendations for an updated and simplified tumor nomenclature centered around tumor control and hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implantation are presented.