bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Tailtag System: Tracking Multiple Mice in a Complex Environment Over a Prolonged Period Using ArUco Markers
Authors: Coulombe Vincent , Rivera Arturo Marroquín , Monfared Sadegh , Roussel David-Alexandre , Leboulleux Quentin , Peralta Modesto R. , Gosselin Benoit , Labonté Benoit 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDespite recent advancements, safely and reliably tracking individual movements over extended periods, particularly within complex social groups, remains challenging. Traditional methods like colour coding, tagging, and RFID tracking, while effective, have notable practical limitations. State-of-the-art neural network-based trackers often struggle to maintain individual identities in large groups for more than a few seconds. Fiducial tags like ArUco codes present a potential solution by enabling accurate tracking and identity management, yet their topical application on mammals has proven difficult without frequent human intervention. In this study, we introduce the Tailtag system: a non-invasive, ergonomic tail ring embedded with an ArUco marker. This system includes a comprehensive parameter optimization guide along with practical guidelines on marker selection. Our Tailtag system demonstrated the ability to automatically and reliably track individual mice in social colonies of up to 20 individuals over a period of seven days without performance degradation, facilitating a detailed analysis of social dynamics in naturalized environments.
Systematic screen of RNA binding proteins that enhance circular RNA translation
Authors: Lu Qianyun , Wang Siqi , Ye Yanwen , Yang Yun , Wang Zefeng 
Published: November 2024

SummaryTranslatable circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as a promising alternative to linear mRNA as new therapeutics due to its improved stability. The translation of circRNAs is mainly driving by internal ribosome entry site (IRES) or IRES-like elements, which is under regulation by varioustrans-acting RNA binding proteins (RBPs). Here we designed a cell-based system to systematically screen RBPs that enhance translation of circRNAs, and identified a total of 68 proteins as putative activators of noncanonical translation. These translation activators mainly involved in the functions of RNA processing, ribosomal biogenesis and translation initiation. Furthermore, we developed a machine learning algorithm to extract common sequence features of these activators, which predicted more potential RBPs with translation activator activities. The newly identified and predicted activators were subsequently demonstrated to promote the IRES-mediated circRNA translation in a context-dependent fashion. This investigation provides new insights to discover functions for IREStrans-acting factors and to expand the toolbox for engineered RBPs in RNA synthetic biology.
SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 reveals attenuated pathogenicity and airborne transmission
Authors: Liu Ruixue , Jin Qiushi , Wang Wenqi , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Hang , Li Bing , Yan Fang , Xia Xianzhu , Li Jianmin , Wang Xuefeng , Gao Yuwei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractJN.1 is a subvariant of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.86 lineage that was predominant worldwide in early 2024, of which the in vivo characteristics are largely unknown. Our results demonstrated that the replication of JN.1 was more efficient than that of the parental BA.2 in Vero cells, which demonstrated low dependence on TMPRSS2. Compared to Omicron variants BA.2 and XBB EG.5.1, JN.1 replicated less efficiently in hACE2 mouse lungs of which the intranasal infection was not lethal to hACE2 mice and led to weaker immune dysregulation. On a more sensitive, aged hACE2 hamster model, JN.1 led to a lower mortality rate and no weight loss, corresponding well with the low preference in lower airways. Lower amounts of viruses in nasal washes and exhaled aerosols were detected in JN.1 infected wildtype hamsters than EG.5.1, and consistently, JN.1 also exhibited largely reduced airborne transmission. Moreover, the poor transmission was also clearly demonstrated even by using hamsters expressing hACE2 receptors in the whole airway. Thus both pathogenicity and airborne transmission of JN.1 were demonstrated to be largely attenuated.ImportanceCurrently, SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 and its subvariants have fully replaced the previous dominant XBB lineage around the world. Although the strong immune evasion of JN.1 has been distinctly revealed, its in vivo pathogenicity and airborne transmission remained unclear. By using multiple Omicron-sensitive rodent models, our findings demonstrated that the pathogenicity of JN.1 was largely attenuated. The weak airborne transmission of JN.1 in wildtype and hACE2 hamsters was consistent with the reported relative lower transmissibility in human, and the using of airway-expressing hACE2 hamsters ulteriorly eliminates the potential bias in viral transmission studies induced by receptor divergence between animal models and human. These findings uncover the in vivo virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 novel lineage, providing insights for communicable disease control.
The impact of psychological treatment on catastrophization and pharmacological response in chronic migraine: A single-center experience
Authors: Sepe Federica Nicoletta , Lanni Claudia , De Michelis Daniele , Lancia Giacomo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to assess the impact of pain catastrophizing, measured using the Italian version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), on the clinical response of patients with chronic migraine to anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies combined with a multidisciplinary approach, including psychological treatment.Methods25 Outpatients from SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo headache clinic randomly assigned to receive Galcanezumab, Erenumab, or Fremanezumab. Their clinical response was evaluated over six months using various measures, including reducing the number of days with migraine per month, and quality of life using Headache Impact Test (HIT 6), MIgraine Disability Assessment Score questionnaire (MIDAS), and Beck’s Inventory Scale (BDI II) scales to assess comorbid depression.ResultsWe established a strong correlation between HIT 6 and PCS, with coefficients of 0.81 and 0.88 atT1andT2, respectively. Furthermore, we found no significant correlation between PCS and the other scales, such as MIDAS, as with any pharmacological therapies.ConclusionThis study aims to clearly define the impact of a multidisciplinary approach including a psychological follow-up on a particular clinical phenotype of chronic migraines and their tendency to catastrophize, but more extended data are needed.
Observational Report on Functional SARS-CoV-2 Immune Responses in Immune Competent and Compromised Individuals
Authors: Peek Laura J , Patrick Alicia , Givens Niki , D’Alessio Brittany , Weaver Amanda , Jackson Leisa , White Thomas J , Pestano Gary A 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectivesDurable immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 are generally observed in previously infected individuals. Immunocompromised individuals may show less durable responses. Investigation of immune responses is needed to inform individuals on whether measures such as boosters may be advisable.MethodsThree SARS-CoV-2 ELISA tests were utilized to monitor responses in 82 individuals in the United States [nucleocapsid protein (N)-specific antibody and spike RBD (receptor binding domain)-specific neutralizing antibody (nAb), and spike-specific interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release by T cells]. De-identified case reports highlight results for this cohort; 21 previously infected and vaccinated, 57 never infected and vaccinated, 2 breakthrough infections post-vaccination and 2 neither infected nor vaccinated.ResultsThe vaccines generated nAb responses in naïve donors, and in previously infected individuals with waning responses, immunosuppression, or weak infection responses. The cutoff for the nAb potency was established at 41.1 IU/mL when calibrated to the WHO International Standard (IU) using the NCI SARS-CoV-2 Standard. This relationship has the critical potential to allow comparisons of nAb measures to be utilized in studies of correlates of protection. Further, previously infected donors demonstrated robust T cell activity, while vaccinated and infection-naïve individuals had lower responses.ConclusionsCalibrated ELISA tests may aid broad vaccination strategies given their low cost and wide accessibility. Additional studies that relate measures of the adaptive responses to immunity from serious disease and infection are needed.
Assessing and managing bone-health and fracture risk in Parkinson’s disease: the BONE PARK 2 protocol
Authors: Naylor Katie C , Tenison Emma , Hardcastle Sarah A , Lyell Veronica , Gregson Celia L , Henderson Emily J 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn Parkinson’s disease (PD) the propensity to fall and the higher risk of osteoporosis converge yielding a high fracture risk. Updated National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG) guidance recommends that PD should trigger a risk assessment, for example using the FRAX tool, yet clinical pathways remain sub-optimal. To address this, we generated an algorithm for the assessment and management of bone-health specifically in PD.MethodsWithin the Proactive and Integrated Management and Empowerment in Parkinson’s Disease randomised controlled trial (PRIME-UK RCT), bone-health metrics were collected, and all participants were offered a DXA scan. The FRAX tool was used to obtain the 10-year probability of hip and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF), and the resulting NOGG risk- category recorded. Probabilities were recalculated including femoral-neck bone mineral density (FN-BMD) and/or with numeric adjustment for recurrent falls, and results compared.ResultsAmong 182 people with parkinsonism (mean age 73.8 years, 65% male, median disease duration 5-years), 28.0% reported a prior fragility fracture, and 40.7% recurrent falls over the previous year. 28.6% had MOF above NOGG intervention thresholds (IT); whilst 12.1% had a FN-BMD T-Score ≤-2.5. Recalculation of FRAX with FN-BMD (n=182) reduced fracture MOF and hip fracture probabilities; 12 (6.6%) deescalated below the IT, and 16 (8.8%) moved above the IT.ConclusionsThis 2024 BONE-PARK algorithm is informed by both the latest NOGG Guidelines and novel findings in a ‘real-world’ population. The algorithm will aid bone health assessment people with PD.Key pointsBone-health in Parkinson’s is under-recognised and under-treated, and we have demonstrated an ongoing treatment gap.In this population, we have demonstrated DXA is feasible but infrequently changes treatment.Our Parkinson’s specific guidance supports clinicians and patients to recognise, investigate and treat fracture risk.
Time-restricted eating and exercise training before and during pregnancy for people with increased risk of gestational diabetes: the BEFORE THE BEGINNING randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sujan MAJ , Skarstad HMS , Rosvold G , Fougner SL , Follestad T , Salvesen KÅ , Moholdt T 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of a pre-pregnancy lifestyle intervention on glucose tolerance in people at higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).DesignRandomised controlled trial.SettingUniversity hospital in Trondheim, Norway.Participants167 people with at least one risk factor for GDM who contemplated pregnancy.InterventionThe participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to a lifestyle intervention or a standard care control group. The intervention consisted of exercise training and time-restricted eating, started pre-pregnancy and continued throughout pregnancy. Exercise volume was set using a physical activity metric that translates heart rate into a score (Personal Activity Intelligence, PAI), with the goal of ≥ 100 weekly PAI-points. Time-restricted eating involved consuming all energy within ≤ 10 hours/day, ≥ 5 days per week.Main outcome measures2-hour plasma glucose level in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in gestational week 28. The primary analysis used an intention-to-treat principle.ResultsFrom 02.10.2020 to 12.05.2023, we included 167 participants: 84 in intervention and 83 in control, out of whom 111 became pregnant (56 in intervention and 55 in control). One participant in the intervention group was excluded from the analysis because of pre-pregnancy diabetes. Pregnancy data from one participant in the control group were excluded from the analysis because of twin pregnancy. Time to pregnancy was 112 days (SD 105) in the intervention (INT) group and 83 days (SD 69) in the control (CON) group (p = .087). The intervention had no significant effect on 2-hour plasma glucose level in an OGTT in gestational week 28 (mean difference, 0.48 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.05 to 1.01, p = .077). There was no evidence of between-group differences in other measures of glycaemic control before or during pregnancy. The intervention did not significantly influence GDM prevalence rates in gestational week 12 (INT 5.5%, CON 5.6%, p = 1.000) or gestational week 28 (INT 14.5%, CON 11.1%, p = .592). In gestational week 28, the intervention group had gained less weight (2.0 kg, 95% CI, -3.3 to -0.8, p = .002) and fat mass (-1.5 kg, 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.4, p = .008) than the control group. Participants could adhere to the ≤ 10-hour eating window and maintain ≥ 100 PAI per rolling week pre-pregnancy, but adherence to both intervention components decreased during pregnancy.ConclusionsA combination of time-restricted eating and exercise training started before and continued throughout pregnancy had no significant effect on glycaemic control in late pregnancy, but our findings suggest that the intervention lowered gestational weight and fat mass gain in people with increased risk of GDM.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04585581
A systematic review of the methodological considerations inCampylobacterburden of disease studies
Authors: Tumulty Megan , Di Bari Carlotta , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Pires Sara M. , Kabir Zubair 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundCampylobacteriosis is a major zoonotic and foodborne disease (FBD), posing a substantial social and health economic burden on human health. Burden of disease (BoD) studies, which increasingly use the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) metric, provide comprehensive insights into disease effects. However, the complexity of DALY calculations, combined with diverse causative agents and research gaps, complicates cross-regional comparisons. This review evaluates existingCampylobacterBoD studies and interrogates their methodological approaches and assumptions in quantifying DALYs.Methods/Principal FindingsA systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and selected grey literature databases was conducted to identify existingCampylobacterBoD studies. Studies assessing the BoD methodology and calculation using the DALY framework were considered. In total, 23 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria. Of these, 19 were single-country studies, while 4 were multi-country analyses. A significant data gap exists, with limited or no studies from low- and middle-income countries, exemplified by just one study obtained from Rwanda. Most studies used an incidence- and pathogen-based approach to estimate DALYs, excluding social weighting, in line with the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Methodological discrepancies were noted, especially in disability weight (DW) assignment, health state classification, and life expectancy table usage. Most single-country studies (n=8) used national life tables rather than universal ones, challenging cross-country comparisons due to a lack of standardisation.ConclusionSignificant variations in the methodological approaches and assumptions forCampylobacterBoD studies exist. Addressing these disparities is essential for harmonising methodological design choices using the DALYs metric to inform evidence-based public health policies and interventions.PROSPERO Registration NumberThe protocol for this study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), which can be accessed under the registration numberCRD42023414973.
Diverse ancestry GWAS for advanced age-related macular degeneration in TOPMed-imputed and Ophthalmologically-confirmed 16,108 cases and 18,038 controls
Authors: Gorski Mathias , Grunin Michelle , Herold Janina M. , Fröhlich Benedikt , Behr Merle , Wheeler Nicholas , Bush William S. , Song Yeunjoo E. , Zhu Xiaofeng , Blanton Susan H. , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Heid Iris M. , Haines Jonathan L. ,   International Age-related Macular Degeneration Genomics Consortium
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness with $344 billion dollars global costs. In 2016, the International Age-related Macular Degeneration Genomics Consortium devised genomic data on ∼50,000 individuals (IAMDGC 1.0) and identified 52 variants across 34 loci associated with advanced AMD in European ancestry. We have now analyzed a more densely imputed version (IAMDGC 2.0) and performed cross-ancestry GWAS in 16,108 advanced AMD cases and 18,038 AMD-free controls. This identified 28 loci at P<5×10−8, including two additional AMD loci compared to IAMDGC 1.0 (SERPINA1andCPN1). Fine-mapping supported one ancestry-shared signal aroundHTRA1/ARMS2and nine signals aroundCFHwithout African ancestry contribution. The 52-variant genetic risk score with and the 44-variant score withoutCFH-variants predicted advanced AMD not only in EUR, but also in AFR and ASN (AUC=0.80/0.75, 0.65/0.64, 0.80/0.79, respectively). Our results indicate that the genetic underpinning of advanced AMD is mostly shared between ancestries.
Prediction of Outcomes in Infants with Hydrops Fetalis by Mode of Delivery: A Retrospective Cohort from a Low-Resource Setting in Kenya
Authors: Amubuomombe Philippe P. , Kosgei Wycliffe K. , Tonui K. Philiph , Mogeni Richard M. , Mutindi K. , Esendi Sarah K. , Ngeleche Ruth , Nyongesa Paul , Koech Irene , Jesani Jignesh K. , Wanjama Esther , Hirani Rajshree K. , Chesire Emily , Oeri Donah , Chepkemboi Audrey K. , Makasi Deborah V. , Shroff Vahista J. , Kipchumba Bett C. , Mishra Pallavi , Kirwa Philip , Hamza Amgad , Aruasa Wilson K. , Mwangi Ann , Orang’o Elkanah O. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDHydrops fetalis is a condition associated with increased perinatal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The overall survival rate of infants diagnosed with hydrops fetalis is currently estimated to be 27%, despite advanced intrauterine and neonatal care. Factors that contribute to poor perinatal and neonatal outcomes have been identified; however, little is known about the existing specific tool for predicting perinatal outcomes by mode of delivery.OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to determine whether cesarean section improves the perinatal outcomes of infants with hydrops fetalis in low-resource settings.STUDY DESIGNThis was a retrospective cohort study in which 102 medical records of pregnancies complicated by hydrops fetalis were retrieved. For all included women, transabdominal ultrasound was performed during pregnancy as part of the standard diagnostic modality for hydrops fetalis. The medical records of all pregnant women and their newborns were retrieved and reviewed to collect information related to the outcomes by mode of delivery, either cesarean section or vaginal delivery. The pregnant women were divided into the following 4 classes based on the severity of hydrops fetalis determined by obstetric ultrasound findings: class I (mild features of hydrops fetalis), II (moderate features of hydrops fetalis), III (moderately severe features of hydrops fetalis), and IV (severe features of hydrops fetalis). The significance of the obtained data was set at a two-tailed p<0.05.RESULTSThis cohort study estimated the proportion of hydrops fetalis to be 0.8%. Nonimmune hydrops fetalis was the common type, accounting for 75.6% of all cases. The 7-day survival rate was estimated to be 42.2%. There was no statistically significant association between the mode of delivery and perinatal survival (pv=0.84). Survival increased, especially in class II patients (47.5%), while survival was similarly low between class III and IV patients (22.5%). A statistically significant association was between class and survival (pv <0.001).CONCLUSIONCesarean section delivery does not improve the perinatal outcomes of hydrops fetalis infants. Creating a validated tool for predicting the perinatal outcomes of infants with hydrops fetalis by mode of delivery is useful for assisting in decision-making and predicting perinatal outcomes.
The impact of Option B+ policy on engagement in HIV care and viral suppression among pregnant women living with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Nattey Cornelius , Maskew Mhairi , Jinga Nelly , Wise Amy , van Dongen Nicola , Brizido Thalia Ferreira , Mudau Maanda , Technau Karl-G , Clouse Kate 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEarly access to HIV care impacts maternal outcomes and the risk of vertical transmission of HIV Option B+, a policy that mandates offering all pregnant women living with HIV (PWLH) lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) irrespective of their CD4 count, has been adopted across sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa since 2015. This study aimed to assess the impact of Option B+ on engagement in HIV care and viral suppression among pregnant women in South Africa.MethodsThis observational study used data from pregnant women living with HIV who delivered at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa from 2013-2017. Linkage to a national HIV laboratory cohort (the NHLS National HIV cohort) was used to ascertain engagement in HIV care prior to antenatal care (ANC) entry and viral load outcomes. Analyses were stratified by the pre-Option B+ (2013-2015) and Option B+ (2016-2017) eras. We compared engagement rates before and during the Option B+ era and assessed factors associated with HIV care engagement and viral suppression. Risk ratios were estimated using log-binomial regression.Results:Among 4,865 PWLH, 65% had evidence of prior engagement in HIV care. Prior engagement in care was higher during the Option B+ era (66%) compared to the pre-Option B+ era (55%) (p<0.001). Younger women (18-24 years) were less likely to engage in HIV care than those aged 25-34 years (aRR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9). Women with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm³ were less likely to have been engaged in care prior to pregnancy compared to those with CD4 ≥500 (aRR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.6-0.7). Primigravid women had a 30% lower likelihood of earlier HIV care engagement compared to those with 2-3 pregnancies (aRR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.8). Overall viral suppression was higher in women reporting prior ART use compared to those with no prior HIV care (33% vs. 19%, p<0.001). During the four-year study period, the proportion of PWLH who had a viral load recorded but were not virally suppressed ranged from 22-36%.ConclusionThe Option B+ policy led to increased engagement in HIV care prior to pregnancy. However, high prevalence of unsuppressed viral load during the Option B+ era highlights the need for continued monitoring and support to sustain the benefits of this policy. Pregnancy and antenatal care services remain an essential portal of entry to HIV care among PWLH in South Africa. Interventions to improve early ANC attendance and maternal engagement in HIV care prior to pregnancy are critical to eliminate vertical HIV transmission.