bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The B‐box protein CmBBX8 recruits chromatin modifiers CmFDM2/CmSWI3B to induce flowering in summer chrysanthemum
Authors: Wang Qi , Si Chaona , Tang Qingling , Zhai Yiwen , He Yuhua , Li Jiayu , Feng Xin , Wang Lijun , Zhou Lijie , Wang Likai , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi , Jiang Jiafu 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARYThe transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is essential for the flowering process of plants. In summer chrysanthemum, CmBBX8 exploits prominence function in floral transition by activating the expression of CmFTL1. However, how CmBBX8 induces CmFTL1 during the photoperiod inductive cycles remains unknown. Here, we show that CmBBX8 interacts with the SGS3‐like protein CmFDM2, and the CmFDM2 overexpression strains presented early flowering, while knockdown strains delayed flowering. Additionally, CmFDM2 could bind to the CmFTL1 promoter and activate the expression of CmFTL1, and associate with chromatin remodeling factor CmSWI3B, and CmBBX8 induces flowering dependent on CmFDM2 and CmSWI3B. CmFDM2 also partially depends on CmSWI3B. The CmSWI3B knockdown strains exhibited a significant late flowering phenotype. Interestingly, CmBBX8 also interacts with CmSWI3B. Moreover, the level of H3K27me3 at the CmFTL1 locus was reduced when CmBBX8 and CmFDM2/CmSWI3B occupied the locus to promote chrysanthemum flowering during the photoperiod inductive cycles, which was accompanied by the increasing level of CmFTL1 transcripts. Thus, our work provides novel insights into the gradually increasing level of CmFTL1 for the floral transition through CmBBX8 recruiting chromatin modifiers CmFDM2/CmSWI3B.
Increasing prevalence of bacteriocin carriage in a 6-year hospital cohort of
E. faecium
Authors: Garretto Andrea , Dawid Suzanne , Woods Robert 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important pathogens in hospitalized patients; however, the factors involved in VRE colonization of hospitalized patients are not well characterized. Bacteriocins provide a competitive advantage to enterococci in experimental models of colonization, but little is known about bacteriocin content in samples derived from humans and even less is known about their dynamics in the clinical setting. To identify bacteriocins which may be relevant in the transmission of VRE, we present a systematic analysis of bacteriocin content in the genomes of 2,248 patient-derived
E. faecium
isolates collected over a 6-year period from a single hospital system. We used computational methods to broadly search for bacteriocin structural genes and a functional assay to look for phenotypes consistent with bacteriocin expression. We identified homology to 15 different bacteriocins, with 2 having a high presence in this clinical cohort. Bacteriocin 43 (bac43) was found in a total of 58% of isolates, increasing from 8% to 91% presence over the 6-year collection period. There was little genetic variation in the bac43 structural or immunity genes across isolates. The enterocin A structural gene was found in 98% of isolates, but only 0.3% of isolates had an intact enterocin A gene cluster and displayed a bacteriocin-producing phenotype. This study presents a wide survey of bacteriocins from hospital isolates and identified bac43 as highly conserved, increasing in prevalence, and phenotypically functional. This makes bac43 an interesting target for future investigation for a potential role in
E. faecium
transmission.

IMPORTANCE

While enterococci are a normal inhabitant of the human gut, vancomycin-resistant
E. faecalis
and
E. faecium
are urgent public health threats responsible for hospital-associated infections. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial proteins and are commonly used by bacteria to provide a competitive advantage in polymicrobial environments. Bacteriocins have the potential to be used by
E. faecium
to invade and dominate the human gut leading to a greater propensity for transmission. In this work, we explore bacteriocin content in a defined clinically derived population of
E. faecium
using both genetic and phenotypic studies. We show that one highly active bacteriocin is increasing in prevalence over time and demonstrates great potential relevance to
E. faecium
transmission.
The global health and economic burden of chikungunya from 2011 to 2020: a model-driven analysis on the impact of an emerging vector-borne disease
Authors: de Roo Adrianne Marije , Vondeling Gerard Timmy , Boer Martijn , Murray Kristy , Postma Maarten Jacobus 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionChikungunya is a mosquito-borne arboviral disease posing an emerging global public health threat. Understanding the global burden of chikungunya is critical for designing effective prevention and control strategies. However, current estimates of the economic and health impact of chikungunya remain limited and are potentially underestimated. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the chikungunya burden worldwide.MethodsWe analysed the global burden of chikungunya between 2011 and 2020 and calculated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and direct and indirect costs using a data-driven simulation model. The main outcomes were the number of cases, the total DALY burden, and the direct and indirect costs of acute and chronic chikungunya between 2011 and 2020.ResultsOur study revealed a total of 18.7 million chikungunya cases in 110 countries between 2011 and 2020, causing 1.95 million DALYs. Most of this burden was found in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The total economic burden caused by chikungunya over these 10 years was estimated at $2.8 billion in direct costs and $47.1 billion in indirect costs worldwide. Long-term chronic illness was the source of most costs and DALYs.ConclusionChikungunya has a higher disease burden than was previously estimated and costs related to the disease are substantial. Especially in combination with its unpredictable nature, chikungunya could significantly impact local health systems. Insights from this study could inform decision makers on the impact of chikungunya on population health and help them to appropriately allocate resources to protect vulnerable populations from this debilitating disease.
Analysing physical activity measures and clustering in patients with type 2 diabetes in secondary care: insights from the DIAbetes and LifEstyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT)—an observational cohort study
Authors: den Braber Niala , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam M , Kappert Kilian D R , Laverman Gozewijn D 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesTo analyse variance in accelerometer-based physical activity (PA) measures in patients with type 2 diabetes, identify the most distinctive PA measures and classify patients into different PA clusters based on these measures.DesignDIAbetes and LifEstyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT), an observational cohort study.SettingSecondary care in the Netherlands.Participant253 patients, with three excluded due to insufficient data. The cohort was predominantly male (66%) with an average age of 64.7 years.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcomes of DIALECT were all-cause mortality, microvascular and macrovascular diseases. The secondary outcomes are blood pressure levels, kidney function indicators and albuminuria levelsResultsPrincipal component analysis (PCA) was applied to 53 accelerometer-derived PA measures. Principal components were identified using a scree plot, key measures determining the principal components were derived andk-mean cluster analysis was applied to the components. The main PA measures were steps/day, active time, zero steps, total sedentary behaviour (SB) bout duration and total moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) bout duration. Based on three PCA components, three clusters were identified. The inactive cluster had a higher BMI, diabetes duration, age and SB bout duration, and lower steps/day and MVPA bout duration compared with the other clusters (p<0.05). The active cluster still scores low on MVPA bout duration (18 min/week) and high on SB bout duration (5.0 hours/day).ConclusionsPA behaviour in patients can be categorised into three distinct clusters. The identified PA measures and behaviour clusters offer promising opportunities for tailored lifestyle treatment. However, further studies are needed to determine which PA measures are clinically most relevant, validate the usefulness of this classification and evaluate whether tailoring lifestyle advice according to these clusters adds clinical value.Trial registration numberNTR5855.
Patient-reported outcome measures in an outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy program: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Burch Andrea R , Ledergerber Bruno , Ringer Martin , Zinkernagel Annelies S , Eberhard Nadia , Kaelin Marisa B , Hasse Barbara 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesTo evaluate the improvements in the mean Short Form-36 (SF-36) score (95% CI) from predischarge to postdischarge among prospective participants of a Swiss Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) programme using Patient Reported Outcomes.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingA public tertiary care hospital in Switzerland.ParticipantsPatients enrolled in the University Hospital Zurich’s OPAT programme between October 2020 and September 2022. They were interviewed predischarge (interview 1) and 7–14 days postdischarge (interview 2) using a shortened, four-domain version of the validated SF-36) questionnaire, complemented by four additional questions gauging patient satisfaction.Co-primary outcomesThe primary outcomes were the scores in four domains of the SF-36 questionnaire.Results33 patients participated in the study. Univariate analysis revealed substantial improvement in three of the four SF-36 domains. Specifically, participants reported improvements in the mean SF-36 score (95% CI) from interviews 1 to 2 for ‘emotional role’ (24.2 (5.0–43.5)), ‘social functioning’ (22.0 (95%CI 10.8 to 33.2)) and ‘emotional well-being’ (11.9 (95%CI 5.6 to 18.2)). Furthermore, 97% of patients would recommend OPAT to others.ConclusionPatients experienced significant improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) while enrolled in OPAT and the programme yields high patient satisfaction. Hospitals considering new OPAT programmes should include both patient satisfaction and HRQoL impact in their argument repertoire for the introduction of OPAT.
How to personalise cognitive–behavioural therapy for chronic primary pain using network analysis: study protocol for a single-case experimental design with multiple baselines
Authors: Hofmann Verena Eunike , Glombiewski Julia Anna , Kininger Felicitas , Scholten Saskia 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for chronic primary pain (CPP), but effect sizes are small to moderate. Process orientation, personalisation, and data-driven clinical decision-making might address the heterogeneity among persons with CPP and are thus promising pathways to enhance the effectiveness of CBT for CPP. This study protocol describes one approach to personalise CBT for CPP using network analysis.Methods and analysisA single-case experimental design with multiple baselines will be combined with ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Feasibility and acceptance of the study procedure will be demonstrated on a sample of n=12 adults with CPP in an outpatient clinic. In phase A, participants complete 21 days of EMA, followed by the standard diagnostic phase of routine clinical care (phase B). Person-specific, process-based networks are estimated based on EMA data. Treatment targets are selected using mean ratings, strength and out-strength centrality. After a second, randomised baseline (phase A'), participants will receive 1 out of 10 CBT interventions, selected by an algorithm matching targets to interventions, in up to 10 sessions (phase C). Finally, another EMA phase of 21 days will be completed to estimate a post-therapy network. Tau-U and Hedges’ g are used to indicate individual treatment effects. Additionally, conventional pain disability measures (Pain Disability Index and the adapted Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale) are assessed prior, post, and 3 months after phase C.Ethics and disseminationEthical considerations were made with regard to the assessment-induced burden on the participants. This proof-of-concept study may guide future studies aiming at personalisation of CBT for CPP as it outlines methodological decisions that need to be considered step by step. The project was approved by the local ethics committee of the psychology department of University Kaiserslautern-Landau (#LEK-457). Participants gave their written informed consent prior to any data assessment and app installation. The results of the project will be published, presented at congresses, and relevant data will be made openly accessible via the Open Science Framework (OSF).Trial registration numberNCT06179784.
Syndemic approach to chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and educational level: a longitudinal cohort study in northwest Italy
Authors: Dansero Lucia , Milani Lorenzo , Gnavi Roberto , Macciotta Alessandra , Destefanis Cinzia , Gilcrease Winston , Sciascia Savino , Ricceri Fulvio 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionChronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) represent significant public health challenges, linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and influenced by socioeconomic disparities. This longitudinal study investigates the interplay between socioeconomic position (SEP), measured as educational level, CKD/ESRD and CVD using the syndemic framework.MethodsWe used data from the Piedmont Longitudinal Study to establish CKD and ESRD cohorts and to identify incident CVD between January 2013 and December 2017. The educational level was retrieved from census data. We applied an accelerated failure time model to explore the relationships between CKD/ESRD, CVD and educational level with all-cause mortality and emergency room (ER) acuity.ResultsThe CKD cohort included 44 220 individuals, with 12 341 deaths and 15 440 ER admissions. The ESRD cohort included 4021 subjects, experiencing 1303 deaths and 1640 ER admissions. After adjusting for confounders, the combination of CKD, low educational level and incident CVD was associated with increased all-cause mortality (time ratios (TR) 0.07, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.08) and ER acuity (TR 0.16, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.17) compared with those with higher education. Instead, patients with ESRD with incident CVD and high educational level had the highest increase in mortality (TR 0.08, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.14) and ER acuity (TR 0.20, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.30).ConclusionsPatients with CKD with low educational levels and incident CVD may represent a ‘syndemic’, associated with higher mortality and ER acuity. Our study highlights a potential link between these conditions and socioeconomic disparities, suggesting the need for multifaceted approaches.
Syphilis prevalence among a large regional online postal self-sampling STI testing service (OPSS)
Authors: Day Sara Louise , Collins Jessica , Spate Jonathan , Jones Sophie , Ashano Efejiro , Asboe David 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesIn England, infectious syphilis diagnoses have reached the highest annual number since 1948. Fifty per cent of syphilis testing is now provided through online postal self-sampling sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing services (OPSS). To reduce the burden of syphilis, we need to understand the syphilis prevalence and transition to treatment rates among service users of OPSS. This report aims to estimate syphilis prevalence among people accessing Sexual Health London (SHL), a regional, National Health Service (NHS)-funded OPSS.MethodsDemographic, STI concurrency, sexual behaviour data and case outcomes were collected from SHL service users who received testing for syphilis between 8 March 2022 and 30 June 2023. Data were analysed to identify syphilis prevalence and transition to care rates.Results458 520 syphilis tests were performed for 267 780 service users. 12 870 (2.8%) results were reactive. Their assigned case outcomes comprised: 10 048 (78.1%) past adequately treated syphilis; 971 (7.5%) treated for active syphilis; 1293 (10.1%) SHL results did not subsequently confirm and 558 (4.3%) had an unknown final outcome. Of unique users, 0.4% (940/267 780) received syphilis treatment at least once. They were: 89.3% aged ≥25 years, 87.3% male, 83.7% gay/bisexual. Co-infections identified were: chlamydia (14%), gonorrhoea (13.3%) and previously undiagnosed HIV (1.5%). 36.1% (339) took pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis, 30.1% engaged in sex parties/group sex and 26.8% had sex under the influence of drugs/alcohol. Individuals aged ≥35 years, of non-female gender, gay/bisexual, from indices of multiple deprivation (1–5) and from certain racially minoritised communities were statistically more likely to require treatment for syphilis than the overall testing population (p<0.05).ConclusionEstimated syphilis prevalence (0.4%) was comparable to rates within national sexual health clinics and the demographic characteristics of those most affected by syphilis were also similar. Further work is required to improve the integration between NHS OPSS and sexual health clinics and to enable OPSS to more accurately input data on treatment and diagnoses towards national surveillance statistics.
Palliative surgery in metastatic gastric cancer: analysis (2007–2021)
Authors: Theakarajan Rajendran , B G Vageesh , M N Saravanan , Agarwal Anil 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivePatients with metastatic gastric cancer (MGC) may require palliative surgery to manage complications such as obstruction or bleeding. While the role of stenting in MGC is clear, the role of palliative surgery in MGC shows conflicting results.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical data of patients with MGC treated at our institution between January 2007 and December 2021. The clinical outcomes of patients who underwent palliative surgery are analysed in this review.ResultsGastrojejunostomy (GJ) and palliative gastrectomy were performed in 48 and 28 patients, respectively. The median overall survival in the GJ and palliative gastrectomy groups were 9.25 and 11.25 months, respectively (p=0.21). On subgroup analysis, we found that the patients who were diagnosed with MGC intraoperatively had better survival compared with preoperatively diagnosed patients even though it was statistically not significant. The complication rates following GJ and palliative gastrectomy were 6% and 7%, respectively.ConclusionBoth palliative gastrectomy and GJ offer similar results to endoscopic stenting, as reported in the literature. Surgical palliative options continue to be relevant in selected cases due to lower rates of repeat interventions and reduced hospital visits, making them a one-time solution for patients, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Advanced MicroRNA delivery for lung inflammatory therapy: surfactant protein A controls cellular internalisation and degradation of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Kim Miji , Park Sujeong , Lee Nayoung , Kim Dohyun , Kim Dongwoo , Jin Yang , Lee Seon-Jin , Hong Jung Joo , Lee Heedoo 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAlveolar macrophages (AMs) are the first line of defence against pathogens that initiate an inflammatory response in the lungs and exhibit a strong affinity for surfactant protein A (SP-A). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising drug delivery platform due to their minimal cytotoxicity. However, precise targeting of specific cell types and the rapid lysosomal degradation of EVs within recipient cells remain persistent challenges.MethodIn this study, we explored the biological significance of SP-A-EVs as novel drug delivery systems for combating lung inflammation. We first verified that respiratory EVs express SP-A receptor (SP-R210), facilitating the conjugation of SP-A with EVs. The delivery efficiency, cellular internalisation pathways and therapeutic effects were evaluated using an in vivo mouse model.ResultsSP-A-EVs were robustly internalised into AMs both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that the toll-like receptor 4-mediated endocytosis pathway was employed for the uptake of SP-A-EVs, significantly delaying their degradation compared with natural EVs, which primarily followed the conventional lysosomal degradation pathway within AMs. In a functional study, we successfully loaded anti-inflammatory microRNA (let-7b) into SP-A-EVs, leading to the suppression of AM activation and the alleviation of lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide.ConclusionThese findings underscore the potential of SP-A-EVs as highly effective drug delivery systems for targeted therapeutics in lung-related disorders, capitalising on the strong affinity between AMs and SP-A and the modulation of cellular internalisation.
Spontaneous Lorentz symmetry-breaking constraints in Kalb–Ramond gravity
Authors: Junior Ednaldo L. B. , Junior José Tarciso S. S. , Lobo Francisco S. N. , Rodrigues Manuel E. , Rubiera-Garcia Diego , da Silva Luís F. Dias , Vieira Henrique A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this work, we study timelike and lightlike geodesics in Kalb–Ramond (KR) gravity around a black hole with the goal of constraining the Lorentz symmetry-breaking parameter l. The analysis involves studying the precession of the S2 star periastron orbiting Sgr A* and geodesic precession around the Earth. The ratio of precession frequencies for General Relativity (GR) and KR gravity is computed, with Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) results providing a parameter range for the spontaneous symmetry-breaking of

$$-0.185022 \le l \le 0.060938$$

-
0.185022
≤
l
≤
0.060938

. Utilizing the geodesic precession frequency from the Gravity Probe B (GP-B), the l parameter is further constrained to

$$-6.30714 \times 10^{-12} \le l \le 3.90708 \times 10^{-12}$$

-
6.30714
×

10

-
12

≤
l
≤
3.90708
×

10

-
12

, which is consistent with the Schwarzschild limits. Moreover, for timelike geodesics, the innermost circular orbit (ICO) and innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) are determined and analyzed to illustrate the impact of the symmetry breaking term. Zoom-whirl obstructions are compared with the Schwarzschild solution. Lower and upper limits of the photon sphere for lightlike geodesics are established to demonstrate the influence of KR gravity on the photon sphere. Additionally, the shadow radius is determined for two observers, one situated at a finite distance from the KR black hole, and the other located at an infinite distance, to constrain the symmetry-breaking parameter l, with comparisons made to EHT results. The bounds for l derived from constraints on the photon sphere radius for lightlike geodesics yield

$$-0.0700225 \le l \le 0.189785$$

-
0.0700225
≤
l
≤
0.189785

using EHT data. The findings of this paper align with experimental results in the

$$l \rightarrow 0$$

l
→
0

limit.