bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viral dynamics in a high-rate algal pond reveals a burst of
Phycodnaviridae
diversity correlated with episodic algal mortality
Authors: Chase E. E. , Pitot T. , Bouchard S. , Triplet S. , Przybyla C. , Gobet A. , Desnues C. , Blanc G. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

This study explores virus-host dynamics in a unique environment: an industrial high-rate algal pond (HRAP). A wealth of novel DNA algal viruses are revealed, including members of
Nucleocytoviricota
“giant viruses” and the enigmatic
Preplasmiviricota
(e.g., virophages and polinton-like viruses). Several species of single-celled eukaryotic photosynthetic algae are identified (Chlorophyta) as putative hosts, with alternating dominant populations during the year of study. We specifically observe a surprising diversity of giant viruses from the family
Phycodnaviridae
(
Nucleocytoviricota
), including phylogenetically related but highly diversified genotypes appearing in the HRAP that we suggest are implicated in bloom collapse. We hypothesize that these related
Phycodnaviridae
lineages infect the same algal species of the genus
Picochlorum
that has been identified in the HRAP. This study establishes a baseline for comprehending the role viruses play in algal farming and emphasizes the necessity of controlling the viral load in future culture system development to optimize algal growth.

IMPORTANCE
The virosphere is ubiquitous, but we have yet to characterize many environments where viruses exist. In an industrial polyculture of microalgae, a wealth of viruses persist, their diversity and dynamics changing over time and consequently give evidence of their evolution and ecological strategies. Several notable infectious agents of the culture’s algae appear, including giant viruses, polinton-like viruses, and a virophage. As our reliance and interest in algal compound-based cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bio-plastics increases, so must our understanding of these systems, including the unique viruses that appear there.
Impact of Honest Signal, Cues, Prey’s Experience Rate and Environmental Toxicity in a Predator–Prey Interaction Model
Authors: Sardar Purnendu , Pada Das Krishna , Biswas Santosh , Rana Sourav 
Published: November 2024

Biological signaling plays a crucial role in predator–prey interaction systems, serving both intraspecific and interspecific communication purposes. Prey populations utilize signaling internally, employing honest signals among themselves to enhance their defense capabilities. Conversely, they also use signaling for interspecific communication, emitting cues to predators to increase their own chances of survival. Recently, Al-Salman et al. [Appl. Math. Modell. 89, 1405 (2021)] proposed a two-species interaction model incorporating Holling Type II predation along with honest signals and cues. In this paper, we extend and modify their study by incorporating factors such as prey’s experience rate and environmental toxicity in prey populations. We conduct a comprehensive mathematical and numerical analysis of the model. We investigate the positive invariance and dissipativeness of the model, discuss the existence of equilibrium points and analyze the behavior of the system around all equilibrium points. Particularly, we determine conditions for local stability and Hopf bifurcation of the system. Furthermore, we perform a detailed numerical analysis to study periodic solutions through Hopf bifurcations in the proposed system. We plot two-parameter bifurcation diagrams to examine changes in the system with combined effects, identifying critical values for stability switching. There is no chaotic dynamics seen in our investigation. Numerical results indicate that the system tends to stabilize when the experience rate is high, and the rate of error-prone honest signals regulates system stability. Additionally, we analyze how environmental toxicity affects the stability of the system.
Recent Developments of USG Score for GCA
Authors: Keen Helen 
Published: November 2024

The 2022 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) guidelines have introduced a significant advancement in the diagnostic approach to Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). According to these updated guidelines, Ultrasound (US) examinations of the cranial and axillary arteries should be considered the primary imaging method for evaluating patients who are suspected to have GCA, provided that the examinations are performed by adequately trained specialists using high-quality equipment. This recommendation marks a notable shift in the traditional management practices for GCA, as it acknowledges the effectiveness of ultrasound as a non-invasive, efficient, and reliable point-of-care test for individuals with suspected GCA. As a result, this development has paved the way for the establishment of fast-track clinics dedicated to GCA diagnosis and treatment across various parts of the globe. However, it is important to note that the use of ultrasound for diagnosing GCA comes with certain challenges. The highly technical nature of the ultrasound procedure, combined with its dependence on the expertise of the operator, often leads to criticism regarding its reliability as a clinical tool. This can create confusion among clinicians when they attempt to interpret formal ultrasound reports, especially if they are not trained in sonography themselves. In this presentation, we will thoroughly examine the evidence supporting the use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis. The discussion will encompass several key concepts, including: 1. The validity of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for GCA. 2. The diagnostic performance of ultrasound in identifying the condition. 3. The practical utility of ultrasound in an Australian Fast Track Clinic setting. 4. The assessment of treatment response and sensitivity to change, as measured by ultrasound findings. 5. The various scoring tools utilized in ultrasound evaluations, such as the Halo Count, the Halo Score, and the OMERACT GCA Ultrasound Score. 6. A review of the EULAR guidelines and how they have evolved over time. 7. Critical information that clinicians who are not trained in sonography need to understand regarding the use of ultrasound in GCA. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to clarify the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of Giant Cell Arteritis, empowering clinicians with the knowledge they need to effectively utilize this diagnostic tool in their practice.
Current Challenges in Managing SpA
Authors: Schett Georg 
Published: November 2024

Managing spondyloarthritis (SpA) presents several complex challenges that impact patient outcomes. One of the foremost issues is the delay in diagnosis, often due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions and insufficient awareness among clinicians. This delay can lead to significant joint damage and increased disability. Differentiating between axial psoriatic arthritis (axial PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is crucial for effective management. While both conditions share inflammatory features, axial PsA and AS may exhibit distinct clinical manifestations and imaging findings. An emphasis on comprehensive clinical assessment, including patient history and physical examination, can aid in accurate differentiation. Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) poses additional challenges, as conventional imaging may not reveal significant changes. Current strategies focus on early intervention and utilizing MRI for detecting inflammatory changes, thereby facilitating timely treatment initiation. Treating early PsA before irreversible bone damage occurs is essential. Evidence suggests that aggressive management with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics may prevent long-term joint impairment. In summary, addressing these multifaceted challenges, requires a comprehensive approach. By focusing on these areas, healthcare professionals can significantly improve the quality of care and long-term outcomes for patients with spondyloarthritis.
Ten Rules for the Management of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Zhao Jiuliang 
Published: November 2024

2023 ACR/EULAR APS classification criteria started a new era for doctors to comprehensively understand this disease. According to current research evidence and clinical practice experiences, we summarize 10 rules for management of APS as followed: Rule 1: APS is a systemic autoimmune disease with multi-systemic involvement and heterogeneity of clinical phenotypes. Rule 2: Each APS related thrombotic event requires a comprehensive assessment of “risk factors”. Rule 3: APS arterial n venous events w/ different mechanisms require separate predict models of recurrency. Rule 4: APS-related arterial thrombosis are not only “thromboembolic” but also “vasculopathic”. Rule 5: Microangiopathy is an unawareness and underestimated but pivotal phenotype of APS. Rule 6: Effective screening & timely diagnosis of APS-valvular heart diseases are crucial for prevention and prognosis improvement. Rule 7: APS-related hematological involvement includes thrombocytopenia & autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Rule 8: Significant heterogeneity of OAPS indicates different mechanisms and the necessity of stratification before Treatment. Rule 9: APLs is one of major contributing factors related irreversible organ damage in SLE Rule 10: Treatment of APS requires individualized precision stratification strategies including immunomodulators.
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Self-symptoms Monitoring with Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases Patients
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Oh Livia , Ang Pui Kim , Xiong Zhonghui , Chong Pei Xin , Ng Chin Teck , Yoon Sungwon , Ong Pei Shi , Choo Silvana X. , Leung Ying Ying , Thumboo Julian , Fong Warren 
Published: November 2024

Objective: We aimed to provide an up-to-date synthesis of the effectiveness of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) use to self-monitor symptoms compared to conventional follow-up care in patients with rheumatic diseases. We also compared the effect of providing feedback via PROMs to a control group in which PROMs feedback was not provided. Methods: This review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles published before October 2023 were retrieved from PubMed[Formula: see text], Cochrane Library[Formula: see text], Embase[Formula: see text], and PsycINFO[Formula: see text](Ovid). Studies were included if (1) they compared PROMs use compared against not using PROMs, (2) used PROMs as an intervention with feedback provided to healthcare professionals/patients to compare against PROMs use but no feedback was provided. Methodological quality and level of evidence were evaluated according to the Risk of Bias tool and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool. Results: A total of 15, 571 articles were screened, 5 articles met the inclusion criteria, and 3 additional articles were identified from handsearching. Most studies reported positive results on symptom control, health-related quality of life, patient perception, shared decision making, and a reduction in clinic visits. No studies reported on survival/mortality. In general, we found conflicting evidence regarding whether feedback from physicians improved patient satisfaction in clinical care. Conclusion: We identified 8 articles through a systematic review and synthesised evidence on their effectiveness. There is a lack of studies comparing PROMs use to conventional care in rheumatic diseases. Future studies should explore the implications of using PROMs in clinical care.
GPX4 Downregulation Induces Platelet Ferroptosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Zhou Zhirui , Yang Fangyuan , Huang Ying , Zhuang Jian , Yuan Yuxuan , Wei Jinli , He Yi 
Published: November 2024

Background: Ferroptosis is a recently discovered type of regulated necrosis and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) has been recognized as a key enzyme that protects against ferroptosis. However, the role of platelet GPX4 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been explored. In this study, GPX4 levels in platelets were measured and the correlation with clinical features were analyzed. Methods: Platelet GPX4 protein expression was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence in 37 SLE patients and 23 healthy controls. Clinical data were recorded at time points of blood sampling. Platelet activation was analyzed by flow cytometry, LDH release by LDH release assay and plasma oxidized DNA levels by a general 8-OHdG ELISA kit. Results: Patients with SLE had significantly decreased expression of platelet GPX4 and increased percentage of platelet activation as compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, levels of platelet GPX4 were negatively correlated with SLEDAI-2K score, 24-hour urine protein and oxidized DNA. Low GPX4 expression were associated with skin and joint involvements of SLE patients. Interestingly, deferoxamine (DFO), a ferroptosis inhibitor, could protect SLE platelets from death. Conclusions: These findings confirmed that downregulated GPX4 protein in platelets of SLE patients negatively correlated with plasma oxidized DNA, SLE disease activity and 24-hour urine protein, suggesting the potential role of platelet ferroptosis in oxidized DNA release and the pathogenesis of SLE.
Taking “Gout” as an Example, a New Model of Disease Science Popularisation in the Era of Integrated Media
Authors: Ai Meichen , Wei Jinli , Li Wanfen , Zhuang Jian , Yang Fangyuan , Li Jie , He Yi 
Published: November 2024

Background: Statistics indicate that there are approximately 200 million individuals with hyperuricemia and 20 million people suffering from gout within my country. The general public is lack of awareness of the risks associated with gout. Many primary hospitals lack the capacity to correctly diagnose and treat gout, resulting in the inefficient use of national medical resources and significant distress and economic hardship for patients. Consequently, the expeditious and efficacious dissemination of gout science knowledge to the general public is of considerable social and economic consequence. Methods: The project team employs a rational integration of online platforms, newspapers, and other resources, in both online and offline modes, and promotes gout medical science knowledge through the utilization of new integrated media science popularisation models. Results: The project leader created the personal IP of “Dr. He Yi” with a cumulative fan base of over 2 million across the entire network. He was awarded one science popularisation project of the Guangdong Province Science and Technology Plan and two science popularisation projects of the Guangzhou City Science and Technology Plan. As the editor-in-chief, he published the popular science book “Dr. Tiantian Talks about Rheumatism-Gout”. As of May 2022, more than 600 popular science articles have been published, more than 200 popular science videos have been released, and 3 training and teaching videos have been recorded; the cumulative number of visits has exceeded 200 million times. Nearly 100 free clinics, science popularisation lectures, and grassroots doctor training have been conducted. The project leader was awarded several honours, including the “2023 Sohu Video Top Ten Broadcasters of the Year” accolade, the “2020 Chinese Medical Doctor Association Health Communication Working Committee n Kwai, Comprehensive Doctors and Science popularisation Contribution Award”, and the “2020 Baidu Health Live Broadcast Top Ten”. Additionally, the project was recognised with the “Guangdong Provincial Medical Science and Technology Award, Popular Science Award”. Conclusion: The project team proposed a novel model of “integrated media” for the popularisation of medical science. This model is not merely the integration of newspapers and online media, nor is it simply the integration of popular science articles, videos, and books. It also encompasses the integration of free clinics, popular science lectures, grassroots doctor training, MDT diagnosis and treatment teams, and new “three habitats” medical talent training. This model improves patients’ quality of life, reduces patients’ economic burden, conserves health care resources, and contributes to national health.
Performance of Low-dose Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Conventional Radiography in Differentiating Axial Involvement in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Yan Xianfeng , Cheng Isaac T. , So Jacqueline , So Ho , Lee Ryan Ka Lok , Griffith James Francis , Tam Lai-Shan 
Published: November 2024

Background: Sacroiliac joints (SIJ) radiography has lower sensitivity and specificity compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and low-dose CT (ldCT) of the SIJ for detecting axial spondyloarthritis. Whether this is also true for axial psoriatic arthritis (axPsA) remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of ldCT, MRI, and conventional radiography of SIJ and spine in distinguishing axial involvement in PsA patients. Methods: Fifty-one consecutive PsA patients (70.6% male, age 41 ± 13 years) meeting the CASPAR classification criteria, regardless of back pain, were included. All patients underwent SIJ and whole-spine radiography, SIJ MRI as well as SIJ ldCT, while 25 (49%) of 51 patients also underwent whole-spine MRI and ldCT. One rheumatologist with expertise in imaging and one trained reader evaluated images. The final diagnosis of axPsA was ascertained by two experienced rheumatologists. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the three modalities for discriminating axPsA were compared. Results: AxPsA was diagnosed in 33.3% (17) of 51 patients. In discerning axial involvement in PsA patients, MRI exhibited superior sensitivity (92.9%) compared with ldCT (83.3%) and radiography (67.9%), while ldCT demonstrated higher specificity (97.1%) than MRI (86.4%) and radiography (72.7%). LdCT achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy (92%) among the three modalities, surpassing radiography (71%) and being comparable to MRI (89%). In the subgroup of patients with whole spine imaging, the combination of MRI and ldCT SIJ had the best diagnostic accuracy, reaching 93%. Including SIJ ldCT in addition to SIJ MRI further improved specificity (86.7% vs. 73.3%) with unchanged sensitivity (100%), while incorporating SIJ MRI alongside SIJ ldCT further improved sensitivity from 83% to 100%, with a modest decrease in specificity (86.7% vs. 93.3%). However, incorporating spine MRI/ldCT alongside SIJ MRI/ldCT did not further improve sensitivity or specificity in discriminating axial involvement in PsA patients. Conclusion: LdCT demonstrated superior diagnostic performance in distinguishing axial involvement in PsA patients compared to MRI or radiography, although MRI was more sensitive for detecting active sacroiliitis. The highest diagnostic performance was achieved with both MRI and ldCT of the SIJ. Additional spine imaging did not further increase diagnostic performance.
Retention Rate and Predisposing Factors for Secukinumab in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: Retrospective Data from Two Tertiary Hospitals in China
Authors: Fu Zhong-Chao , Wen Lin , Cheng Xiao-Gui , Liu Xiao-Yu , Zhang Li-Jun , Shi Ran-Geng , Huang Jin-Xian 
Published: November 2024

Background Data from open label follow-up were merely 5 years for secukinumab as second line treatment. Real world evidence from European and Korean cohort revealed retention rate up to 4 years. No data from China has been published. We aim to evauate the longterm retention rate of secukinumab in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and its predisposing factors in Chinese patients. Methods Patients were recruited from retrospective medical records of two tertiary hospitals in China from January 2020 and March 2024. Patients were diagnosed with 2009 ASAS classification criteria. The retention rate of secukinumab was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to compare the retention curves of the two cohorts. Results In total, medical records of prescription for secukinumab and relevant clinical information from 445 patients were identified. The mean age was 34 (29[Formula: see text]41) years with male gender of 77.30% and HLA-B27 posititivy of 88.54% in our cohort. Mean disease duration was 8 (5[Formula: see text]13) years with relatively shorter duration in biologics naive compared with biologics experienced patients (7 (3[Formula: see text]12) vs. 9 (6[Formula: see text]14) years, p¡0.05). The secukinumab treatment period was 3-42 months, with majority of 150mg dosage. 16 patients (3.60%) initiated with 300mg loading dose. Smoking status and other clinical characteristics including concomitant treatment and comorbility were not significant between the two groups. Overall retention rate of our cohort during follow-up at 12-month, 24-month and 36-month was 0.750, 0.686 and 0.641, respectively. In subgroup analysis, biologics experience contributed to lower retention rate (Figure 1) and higher dose (300mg) treatment resulted in better retention rate (Figure 2). Discontinuation occurred in 35 patients mainly due to fertility demand. Switching because of inefficient response occurred in 58 patients. Adalimumab (n=24) was the preferred choice, followed by etanercept (n=16)., other DMARDs or NSAIDs (n=13) and JAKi (n=5). Conclusion Secukinumab had a good performance of retention in patients with axSpA from China, especially in those with higher dosage and without biologics experience.
Differential Immunogenicity of mRNA-based and Inactivated Virus COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients with Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease - A Prospective Study up to 12 Months Post-3rd Dose
Authors: Wong Nga Sze , Cheng Isaac T , Yu Tracey , Chan Vivien , Li Tena , Tam Lai-Shan , Chan Paul KS , So Ho 
Published: November 2024

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, 2 types of COVID-19 vaccines were made available in Hong Kong - the mRNA-based vaccine and the inactivated virus vaccine. All residents were required to complete 3 vaccinations. There is concern that immunogenicity acquired from COVID-19 vaccinations could be unsustainable in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD) due to the underlying condition and immunosuppressive medication used. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines and its sustainability in IRD patients. Methods This single-centre cohort was assembled prospectively from 8/2021 - 2/2022 in Hong Kong. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients before, 28 (± 3) days and 12 months after the third dose of COVID-19 vaccination. The neutralising antibody titre against the SARS-CoV-2 virus was quantified by ELISA. Results A total of 83 patients (age: 51.4± 11.7 years; 72.3% female; 17 rheumatoid arthritis, 17 psoriatic arthritis, 12 axial spondylarthritis, 37 systematic lupus erythematosus) attended all 3 visits. The vaccine distribution is summarized in Fig. 1A. Majority (96.4%) of patients had positive neutralising antibodies before the 3rd vaccine dose despite a low mean titre of 38.2± 29.7%. The antibody titre improved significantly after the 3rd dose (85.9± 23.8%) and was maintained at the 12-month visit (87.5± 22.6%). The mean antibody levels pre- and post-3rd dose were higher in patients who took mRNA-based vaccine (Fig. 1B). The presence of COVID-19 infection during the follow-up period led to significantly higher antibody titre at the 12-month visit (Table 1). There were no significant associations between immunogenicity and age, type of IRD, biologic/targeted Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs usage as well as additional booster doses. Conclusion 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccine produced sustained humoral response in IRD patients. The immunogenicity appeared to be dependent on the type of vaccines received in the short term and breakthrough infection in longer term.