bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Descriptive epidemiology of COVID-19 outcomes in England, from September 2023 to April 2024
Authors: Abdul Aziz Nurin , Allen Hester , Assaraf Kiara , Dabrera Gavin , Ramsay Mary , Allen Alex 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionCOVID-19 disease has been associated with severe illness, hospitalisation and death, however, widespread vaccination coverage in England has resulted in reduced disease severity. From 2022, the national vaccination programme has been run twice per year, prioritising older age groups or those classified as clinically vulnerable. Here we assess the trends in COVID-19 outcomes between September 2023 and April 2024, using national-level data held by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).MethodsData linkage of national-level COVID-19 episode data, NHS emergency and hospital attendance data, and death registrations were used to analyse COVID-19 outcomes. Outcomes were defined as COVID-19 associated A&E attendances, hospital admissions, severe hospitalisations, and deaths.The number and rate of each COVID-19 outcome category between September 2023 and April 2024 was calculated, stratified by clinical risk status and age and sex.ResultsThe most common COVID-19 outcomes during this time-period were A&E attendance and hospital admission, with the rates highest among those aged 75 and over. Among this age group, all outcomes disproportionately affect those who have been identified as at clinical risk and those who were immunosuppressed.High rates of A&E attendance and hospital admission were also observed among infants (under 6 months old) but were lower for more severe outcomes.DiscussionGroups that were most affected by COVID-19 outcomes were currently prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination in England, which will help protect against more severe outcomes including admission to intensive care and death.Routine national levels surveillance of COVID-19 outcomes is essential to monitor populations most of severe disease and informing vaccination policy.
Perioperative oxygen concentration and postoperative organ damage in pediatric neurosurgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Zhengfang , Wang Chenwei , Wang Huiwen , Zhang Kangda 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the correlation between perioperative oxygen concentration and postoperative organ damage and other adverse reactions in children undergoing neurosurgery.Materials and methodsThis study was a single-center retrospective cohort study that included 512 children undergoing neurosurgery, aged ≤14 years old, and with an operative duration ≥2 hours who were transferred to the Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) of the Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, postop eratively during the period of October 2018 to September 2023. The medical records of the included children during hospitalization were meticulously reviewed and systematically collected through the Hospital Information System (His).The area under oxygen concentration-time curve AUCFIO2= the product of intraoperative oxygen concentration (percentage) and duration of anesthesia (minutes) was calculated, and then 512 children were divided into 3 groups according to the trichotomies of the AUCFIO2(Group1:AUCFIO2<8720%min, Group2: 8720% min ≤ AUCFIO2≤ 13800% min, Group 3: AUCFIO2> 13800% min) for inclusion in the data analysis.ResultsThe incidence of Emergency delirium was 24%, 26.9% and 19.4%, and the incidence of acute kidney injury was 0.6%, 2.3% and 0.6% in the three groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the three groups (P> 0.05). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in the three groups was 20.6%, 20.8% and 31.5%, respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference between the three comparisons (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in nausea, vomiting, hypoxemia, VAS score and PACU residence time among the three groups during PACU (P>0.05), and there was a statistically significant differences between infections and hospital stay during hospitalization (P<0.05).ConclusionsAlthough the oxygen concentration AUCFIO2was not correlated with the occurrence of both postoperative AKI and ED, the longer the exposure time of conventional oxygen administration strategy, the higher the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and postoperative infections, and the longer the hospitalization time of children.
Comparison of Early and Intermediate-Term Outcomes Between Hybrid Arch Debranching and Total Arch Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Propensity-Matched Studies
Authors: Kaewboonlert Naritsaret , Slisatkorn Worawong , Tantraworasin Apichat , Pleehachinda Punthiti , Prapassaro Tossapol , Pongsuwan Natthipong , Chatkaewpaisal Chanut , Ruangpratyakul Tummarat 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOBJECTIVESTo systematically review and pool the clinical outcomes of hybrid arch repair (HAR) and total arch replacement (TAR) with or without a frozen elephant trunk for treating aortic arch aneurysms, dissections, or other pathology in propensity score-matched studies.METHODSWe conducted electronic database searches in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify studies reporting outcomes of HAR versus TAR. Risk of bias was assessed using non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality analyzed using a random-effects model to compute the odds ratio (OR). Survival probability was expressed as hazard ratios (HR) calculated through the inverse variance method. The results were reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.RESULTSThis meta-analysis included 13 studies with 3,392 patients. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between HAR and TAR groups (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.78-1.49; p = 0.630). However, HAR group showed a higher incidence of permanent neurological dysfunction (PND) (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.22-2.41; p < 0.001). In subgroup meta-analysis with isolated type A aortic dissection (ITAAD), HAR showed significantly lower in-hospital mortality (p = 0.040) but no difference in PND. Other post-operative complications were significantly lower in the HAR group for renal failure (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.49-0.87; p < 0.001), sternal re-entry due to bleeding (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.34-0.89; p = 0.010), and tracheostomy (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.38-0.96; p = 0.030). There is no statistical difference in 3-year survival probability (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.70-1.35; p = 0.870).CONCLUSIONSTAR has more favorable than HAR in MDAD patients, offering lower rates of neurological dysfunction and better 3-year freedom from re-intervention. For ITAAD patients, HAR potentially provides better in-hospital mortality and 3-year survival rates, with fewer complications such as renal failure, re-sternotomy, and tracheostomy.
Music education reduces emotional symptoms in children: A quasi-experimental study in the Guri Program in Brazil
Authors: Bortz Graziela , Ilari Beatriz , Di Giuseppe Germano Nayana , Jackowski Andrea Parolin , Cogo-Moreira Hugo , Lúcio Patrícia Silva 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe transferability of music education to cognitive and social skills has been explored recently, but its causal effects remain debatable. This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the impact of a music education program (Guri) on aspects attention, working memory and socioemotional skills in children from underserved communities of São Paulo, Brazil. The music group (n = 38, 5-9 years) was recruited from 10 centers (polos) distributed across the metropolitan area of São Paulo and the control group (n = 67) consisted of aged-matched children who attended public schools surrounding the polos. The ABEP SES questionnaire and the Raven test were used as control variables, the SDQ questionnaire, the Digit-span subtest from WISC-IV, the PARB-Q questionnaire, and the BPA test were used as subject variables. A significant effect of the intervention in emotional symptoms in the music group as opposed to controls was found (F(1,89) = 4.562, p = 0.035, η2= 0.049), indicating benefits for the music group. Children whose mothers had low levels of education benefited with gains between 0.70 and 0.95 standard deviations in both groups for divided attention, indicating a significant interaction with maternal education.
Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use in Pediatric Respiratory Infections: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Khan Muhammad Uneeb , Khan Zakir , Khan Areej 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAntibiotic misuse for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) is on the rise particularly among developing nations like Pakistan. This study evaluates parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding RTI antibiotic use, which significantly impact antibiotic resistance trends. Targeted interventions to promote antibiotic use and reduce community resistance require understanding these dynamics.Parents were recruited and interviewed in a tertiary care hospital and community pharmacies, representing both urban and rural areas, regardless of ethnicity or occupation. Face-to-face interviews with 21 parents were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Conducted by one male and one female interviewer, these qualitative interviews provided an in-depth understanding of parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children. Deductive thematic analysis was used, with predefined codes and themes refined throughout the process to capture evolving insights.In total, 21 parents were interviewed, with 76% mothers and 24% fathers, and a median age of 24 for younger parents and 38 for older. Key barriers to accessing medical care for children with RTIs included financial constraints (38%) and transportation issues (34%). While 57% of parents preferred herbal remedies, 71% stated they would consult a doctor rather than reuse previously prescribed antibiotics. Additionally, 52% of parents believed doctors should take responsibility for educating families about proper antibiotic use and resistance.This study highlights gaps in parental knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use for RTIs in children, with financial and transportation barriers influencing access to medical care. While a significant portion of parents prefer herbal remedies, most would consult a doctor rather than reuse antibiotics. Targeted interventions, particularly through healthcare provider education, are crucial to promoting appropriate antibiotic use and combating resistance in developing nations like Pakistan.
Evaluating Multicultural Autism Screening for Toddlers Using Machine Learning on the QCHAT-10
Authors: Sollis Lydia J. , Wall Dennis P. , Washington Peter Y. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTEarly identification and intervention often leads to improved life outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, traditional diagnostic methods are time-consuming, frequently delaying treatment. This study examines the application of machine learning (ML) techniques to 10-question Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (QCHAT-10) datasets, aiming to evaluate the predictive value of questionnaire features and overall accuracy metrics across different cultures. We trained models using three distinct datasets from three different countries: Poland, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia. The New Zealand and Saudi Arabian-trained models were both tested on the Polish dataset, which consisted of diagnostic class labels derived from clinical diagnostic processes. The Decision Tree, Random Forest, and XGBoost models were evaluated, with XGBoost consistently performing best. Feature importance rankings revealed little consistency across models; however, Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) to select the models with the four most predictive features retained three common features. Both models performed similarly on the Polish test dataset with clinical diagnostic labels, with the New Zealand models with all 13 features achieving an AUROC of 0.94 ± 0.06, and the Saudi Model having an AUROC of 93% ± 6. This compared favorably to the cross-validation analysis of a Polish-trained model, which had an AUROC of 94% ± 5, suggesting that answers to the QCHAT-10 can be predictive of an official autism diagnosis, even across cultures. The New Zealand model with four features had an AUROC of 85% ± 13, and the Saudi model had a similar result of 87% ± 11. These results were somewhat lower than the Polish cross-validation AUROC of 91% ± 5. Adjusting probability thresholds improved sensitivity in some models, which is crucial for screening tools. However, this threshold adjustment often resulted in low levels of specificity during the final testing phase. Our findings suggest that these screening tools may generalize well across cultures; however, more research is needed regarding differences in feature importance for different populations.
Transcriptome Signatures for Cognitive Resilience Among Individuals with Pathologically Confirmed Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Li Donghe , Han Xudong , Farrer Lindsay A. , Stein Thor D. , Jun Gyungah R. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTIONLimited success to date in development of drugs that target hallmark Alzheimer disease (AD) proteins as a means to slow AD-related cognitive decline has sparked interest in approaches focused on cognitive resilience. We sought to identify transcriptome signatures among brain donors with neuropathologically confirmed AD that distinguish those with cognitive impairment from those that were cognitively intact.METHODSWe compared gene expression patterns in brain tissue from donors in four cohorts who were cognitively and pathologically normal (controls), met clinical and pathological criteria for AD (SymAD), or were cognitively normal prior to death despite pathological evidence of AD (cognitively resilient or AsymAD). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the transcriptome-wide significance (TWS) level (P<10-6) in the total sample and nominally significant (P<0.05) in at least two datasets were further evaluated in analyses testing association of gene expression with co-calibrated and harmonized cognitive domain scores and AD-related neuropathological traits.RESULTSWe identified 52 TWS DEGs, including 14 that surpassed a significance threshold of P<5×10−8. The three most significant DEGs,ADAMTS2(Log2 fold change [Log2FC]=0.46, P=2.94×10−14),S100A4(Log2FC=0.61, P=3.98×10−11) andNRIP2(Log2FC=0.32, P=9.52×10−11) were up-regulated in SymAD compared to AsymAD brains.ADAMTS2andSLC6A9were also significantly and nominally differentially expressed between AsymAD cases and controls (FDR P=0.45 and FDR P=0.57, respectively). Significant associations (P<0.0038) were identified for executive function with expression ofADAMTS2(P=4.15×10−8) andARSG(P=1.09×10−3), and for memory withPRELP(P=3.92×10−5) andEMP3(P=7.75×10−4), and for language withSLC38A2(P=6.76×10−5) andSLC6A9(P=2.13 ×10−3). Expression ofARSGandFHIP1Bwere associated with measures of Tau pathology (AT8: P=1.5×10−3, and pTau181: P=3.64×10−3, respectively), andSLC6A9expression was associated with multiple pTau isoforms including pTau181 (P=1.5×10−3) and pTau396 (P=2.05×10−3).PRELPexpression was associated with synaptic density(PSD.95: P=6.18×10−6). DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways involving E2F targets, cholesterol homeostasis, and oxidative phosphorylation.CONCLUSIONWe identified multiple DEGs that differentiate neuropathologically confirmed AD cases with and without cognitive impairment prior to death. Expression of several of these genes was also associated with measures of cognitive performance and AD-related neuropathological traits, thus providing important insights into cognitive resilience mechanisms and strategies for delaying clinical symptoms of AD.
Wireless recordings from dragonfly target detecting neurons during prey interception flight
Authors: Lin Huai-Ti , Siwanowicz Igor , Leonardo Anthony 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARYTarget interception is a complex sensorimotor behavior which requires fine tuning of the sensory system and its strategic coordination with the motor system. Despite various theories about how interception is achieved, its neural implementation remains unknown. We have previously shown that hunting dragonflies employ a balance of reactive and predictive control to intercept prey, using sophisticated model driven predictions to account for expected prey and self-motion. Here we explore the neural substrate of this interception system by investigating a well-known class of target-selective descending neurons (TSDNs). These cells have long been speculated to underlie interception steering but have never been studied in a behaving dragonfly. We combined detailed neuroanatomy, high-precision kinematics data and state-of-the-art neural telemetry to measure TSDN activity during flight. We found that TSDNs are exquisitely tuned to prey angular size and speed at ethological distances, and that they synapse directly onto neck and wing motoneurons in an unusual manner. However, we found that TSDNs were only weakly active during flight and are thus unlikely to provide the primary steering signal. Instead, they appear to drive the foveating head movements that stabilize prey on the eye before and likely throughout the interception flight. We suggest the TSDN population implements the reactive portion of the interception steering control system, coordinating head and wing movements to compensate for unexpected prey motion.
Unravelling the Molecular Footprints of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: In Silico Discovery of Key Protein and MicroRNA Signatures
Authors: Chudasama Jay Mukesh , Parmar Ghanshyam 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) present a significant clinical challenge, characterized by chronic inflammation and impaired wound healing. This study employs Gene Ontology (GO) analysis to identify critical biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components, and pathways associated with DFUs, aiming to uncover novel therapeutic targets. The analysis reveals significant enrichment in biological processes such as Positive Regulation of miRNA Transcription and Regulation of miRNA Transcription, highlighting the crucial role of microRNAs, including hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-miR-7-5p, hsa-miR-1-3p, and hsa-miR-23b-3p, in regulating wound healing and inflammation. Enriched molecular functions, such as DNA-binding Transcription Activator Activity and Protein Phosphatase Binding, suggest that targeting genes like TP53, GAPDH, AKT1, MYC, TNF, EGFR, STAT3, FN1, VEGFA, and JUN could modulate critical cellular processes and improve DFU management. The analysis also identifies key cellular components, including Vesicle and Platelet Alpha Granule Lumen, as crucial for cellular transport and signaling, suggesting that interventions targeting these components could enhance wound repair. Furthermore, enriched pathways such as Proteoglycans in Cancer and Human Cytomegalovirus Infection indicate potential mechanisms and viral influences relevant to DFUs. These findings provide a comprehensive framework for developing targeted therapies that address the multifaceted pathology of DFUs, offering promising avenues for improving patient outcomes and advancing wound healing strategies.
Spatial confinement induces reciprocating migration of epidermal keratinocytes and forms triphasic epithelia
Authors: Nohara Takuma , Kumamoto Junichi , Mai Yosuke , Shimano Mayuna , Kato Sora , Kitahata Hiroyuki , Nakamura Hideki , Takashima Shota , Watanabe Mika , Nagayama Masaharu , Oikawa Tsukasa , Ujiie Hideyuki , Natsuga Ken 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEpithelial cells undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) during migration and regain their epithelial phenotype in the post-migration phase (mesenchymal– epithelial transition; MET). We established an experimental system that reproduced three-dimensional triphasic epithelia, i.e., the original epithelium, its EMT, and MET. Keratinocytes (KCs), skin epithelial cells, placed on a microporous membrane migrated through 3.0-µm or larger micropores. The 3.0-µm-pored membrane induced an epithelial structure with three states: stratified KCs above the membrane, KCs showing EMT within the micropores, and a new stratified epithelium under the membrane. The membrane with larger micropores failed to maintain the triphasic epithelia. Live imaging revealed that KCs moved in a reciprocating manner, with actin-rich filopodia-like KC structures extending into and out of the 3.0-µm micropores, while the cells migrated unidirectionally into larger micropores. Piezo1 and keratin 6 were identified as negative modulators of KC entry to and exit from the 3.0-µm micropores. These results demonstrate that non-cancerous epithelial cells migrate through confined spaces in a reciprocating manner, which might help form triphasic epithelia, recapitulating wound healing processes.
Binding of CEP152 to PLK4 stimulates kinase activity to promote centriole assembly
Authors: Gürkaşlar Hazal Kübra , Hoffmann Ingrid 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTCentriole duplication is regulated by polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) and several conserved initiator proteins. The precise timing and regulation of PLK4 activation are critical for ensuring that centriole duplication occurs only once per cell cycle. While significant progress has been made in understanding how PLK4 is activated, many aspects remain unclear. Here, we show how CEP152 contributes to the activation of PLK4. We utilize human cell lines that have been genetically engineered to rapidly degrade CEP152. Upon degradation of CEP152, localization of PLK4 at the proximal end of the centriole is disrupted. We show that binding of CEP152 N-terminal part to PLK4 increases phosphorylation and kinase activation. CEP152 controls the localization and levels of phosphorylated PLK4 at the proximal end of the centriole. CEP152 can phosphorylate and activate PLK4 bothin vitroandin vivowhich might stabilize PLK4 dimer formation, thus allowing autophosphorylation. We propose that CEP152 activates PLK4 to ensure proper centriole duplication at the onset of S-phase.
AKCNC1Variant Linked to Rett Syndrome Disrupts ER to Golgi Trafficking of Kv3.1 Channel
Authors: Maureira Diego , Rubilar Carla , López Joaquín , Santander Paola , Moldenhauer Hans , Silva Ian , Cruz Pablo , Riquelme Denise , Baeza Javiera , González Wendy , Orio Patricio , Servili Evrim , Troncoso Mónica , Leiva-Salcedo Elías , Cerda Oscar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntrinsic neuronal excitability, defined by the balance between input and output signals, is crucial to neural function, and its disruption underlies various neurological diseases. Kv3.1 channels, encoded byKCNC1, are essential for high-frequency action potential firing. Variants in these channels are associated with several subtypes of epilepsy. We report a patient with developmental regression and epilepsy, meeting Rett syndrome criteria, who carries aKCNC1variant encoding the S474C substitution in Kv3.1 (Kv3.1S474C). Electrophysiological and biochemical assays reveal that Kv3.1S474Creduces channel presence in the plasma membrane and is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In murine primary cultures expressing Kv3.1S474C, we observed reduced neuronal firing frequency and exclusion of the channel from the axon initial segment (AIS). Consistently, we found a decreased firing frequency using a conductance-based computational neuronal model. In summary, this study identifies a novel link between aKCNC1variant and Rett syndrome, highlighting the importance of S474 residue in Kv3.1 channel trafficking and function in neurons.SummaryThis study identifies and characterizes a novelKCNC1variant associated with classical Rett syndrome. This variant disrupts endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi trafficking of the Kv3.1 channels, highlighting the variant’s potential role in altered neuronal excitability and neurodevelopmental disorders.