bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An “Expanded Zone” Concept for Soft Tissue Coverage of the Upper Extremity
Authors: Hallock Geoffrey G. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Vascularized soft tissue coverage of open wounds of the lower extremity has long been predicated on the zone of injury and the available local flap donor site options found therein. A hypothesis was presented decades ago in this journal that attempted to extend a similar approach to simplify upper extremity coverage as well, but appears to have long been forgotten. However, with the emergence of the fasciocutaneous flap and its offspring the perforator flap, now a plethora of additional local flap options within the upper extremity may justify this idea being further considered. Indeed, the upper extremity can arbitrarily be divided into distinct anatomical regions that each has unique characteristics. However, soft tissue requirements that must be restored cannot so simply be restricted by anatomical boundaries, so instead an “expanded zone” concept is more appropriate where comparable regions can be treated in a similar as long as functional fashion. All this must be with the realization that if a suitable local flap option does not exist, the selection of a free tissue transfer with the same preferable composition should instead be chosen, just as would be done in the lower extremity.
Relatives' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences Toward Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Boone Klaus , Geerts Pieter-Jan , Van de Velde Nele , Verhaeghe Sofie , Lemmens Gilbert M.D. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for patients with severe psychiatric disorders. Stigma and lack of knowledge surrounding ECT are major obstacles for both patients and their caregivers, who play an important role as shared decision-makers. Insight in caregivers' perspectives on ECT can support the consent process and patient compliance with ECT. We aimed to review perspectives on knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of caregivers of adult and adolescent patients who received ECT. We performed a computerized search (EMBASE, MEDLINE) for articles meeting the following inclusion criteria: (1) qualitative studies, quantitative studies, or quasi-experimental studies that (2) report on caregiver perspectives of patients who received ECT. We conducted our systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method. In total, 29 articles were included. Variation in knowledge about ECT was high among caregivers. Their attitudes were generally positive and most would advise for future ECT if necessary. Psychoeducational tools and ECT experience increased knowledge and attitudes in caregivers. In general, caregivers were satisfied with ECT but wanted more information on risks and side effects before ECT. Caregivers reported more positive attitudes toward and had better experiences with ECT compared with patients. Our systematic review demonstrated moderate knowledge, but overall positive attitudes and experiences on ECT in caregivers. Overall low methodological quality of included studies limits our conclusions. Future research should focus more on qualitative methods and cohort studies.
Making yogurt with the ant holobiont uncovers bacteria, acids, and enzymes for food fermentation
Authors: Sinotte Veronica M. , Ramos-Viana Verónica , Vásquez Diego Prado , Sirakova Sevgi Mutlu , Valerón Nabila Rodríguez , Cuesta-Maté Ana , Taylor Parkins Shannara K. , Giecko Julia , Velasco Esther Merino , Zilber David , Munk Rasmus , Andersen Sandra B. , Dunn Robert R. , Jahn Leonie J. 
Published: December 2024

SummaryMilk fermentation has a rich history in which food culture, the environment, and microbes intersect. However, the biocultural origins of fermentation practices and microbes have largely been replaced by industrial processes. Here, we consider a historical fermentation originating from Turkey and Bulgaria – ant yogurt. We revisit the traditional practices and modern gastronomic applications that use red wood ants (Formica rufagroup) to initiate milk fermentation. Subsequently, we characterize the ants and experimental ant-derived yogurts. We uncover that the ant holobiont, which consists of the ants and their microbes, contributes key acids and enzymes to fermentation. Metabarcoding and culturing revealed that lactic and acetic acid bacteria, including species related to conventional sourdough, originate from the live ants and proliferate in the milk. The ants and bacteria consequently introduce formic, lactic, and acetic acid, advantageous for yogurt acidification and coagulation. Last, proteases with the potential to act on casein may alter yogurt texture and are produced by the ants and bacteria. The ant holobiont thus catalyses fermentation akin to the microbial consortia in other ferments. Our findings highlight the value of integrating traditional, gastronomic, and biological frameworks to uncover the origins and applications of microbes for fermented foods.
ANALYSIS OF SELF-CARE FACTORS IN HYPERTENSION PATIENTS IN COMMUNITY SETTINGS
Authors: Dewi Ni Putu Ayu Ratna , Pandin Moses Glorino Rumambo , Nursalam  , Agustini Ni Luh Putu Inca Buntari , Wahyuni Ni Wayan Sri , Putra Komang Ardidhana Nugraha 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundControlling blood pressure in hypertensive patients is one of the most important interventions in preventing complications, reducing morbidity, and premature mortality. Patients must practice hypertension self-care to prevent the disease’s frequent recurrence from deteriorating their health and to maintain effective behavior.ObjectiveAnalyze the factors that influence the implementation of self-care in hypertensive patients.MethodCross-sectional using the purposive sampling technique involving 120 respondents. The study was conducted in the working area of the Gianyar 1 Health Center, Bali, Indonesia. Data collection utilized the Indonesian version of the High Blood Pressure self-care profile questionnaire. Analysis included univariate, bivariate using chi-square, and multivariate using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsA long history of suffering from hypertension has an effect on behavior; education has an effect on motivation; and education and work have an effect on self-efficacy.ConclusionThe article emphasizes the importance of holistic treatments in managing high blood pressure, with a focus on patient engagement to improve taking care of themselves with focused education and support systems. The outcomes align with the axiological dimension of philosophy by highlighting practical values that enhance patients’ autonomy and quality of life through education and supportive systems. Further, the research makes an empirical contribution by providing a comprehensive knowledge of self-care characteristics, which can be used to develop culturally appropriate and patient-focused intervention techniques.
Role of personalized predictions for people with prediabetes: disseminating patient-centered estimates of benefit
Authors: Olchanski Natalia , Ciemins Elizabeth L. , Cuddeback John , Colangelo Francis , Koenig Carolyn , Kent David M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo assess acceptability and feasibility of incorporating individualized risk prediction into clinical assessment, decision making, and communication of risk of type 2 diabetes and prevention recommendations.MethodsWe integrated a prediction model into the clinical workflow at a US health care organization. We conducted patient and provider focus groups and pre- and post-dissemination surveys and assessed the effect on referrals to and enrollment in the Diabetes Prevention Program, among 2,775 patients with prediabetes who had primary care visits between May 2018 and December 2020.ResultsAmong patients with prediabetes seen in primary care during the study period, 79% had a calculation with the risk prediction model completed. After implementation of the risk prediction model, prevention intervention rates increased, with 62.3% of high-risk patients receiving an intervention within 1 year.ConclusionsUsed at the point of care during a shared decision-making discussion between the patient and provider, the diabetes risk calculator helped providers prioritize patients for diabetes prevention interventions, facilitated communication, and successfully improved rates of engagement in their care among patients with prediabetes.
Sublethal pesticide exposure decreases mating and disrupts chemical signaling in a beneficial pollinator
Authors: Derstine Nathan , Murray Cameron , Purnell Freddy S , Amsalem Etya 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPesticides provide vital protection against insect pests and the diseases they vector but are simultaneously implicated in the drastic worldwide decline of beneficial insect populations. Convincing evidence suggests that even sublethal pesticide exposure has detrimental effects on both individual- and colony-level traits, but the mechanisms mediating these effects remained poorly understood. Here, we use bumble bees to examine how sublethal exposure to pesticides affects mating, a key life history event shared by nearly all insects, and whether these impacts are mediated via impaired sexual communication. In insects, mate location and copulation are primarily regulated through chemical signals and rely on both the production and perception of semiochemicals. We show through behavioral bioassays that mating success is reduced in bumble bee gynes after exposure to field-relevant sublethal doses of imidacloprid, and that this effect is likely mediated through a disruption of both the production and perception of semiochemicals. Semiochemical production was altered in gyne and male cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), but not in exocrine glands where sex pheromones are presumably produced (i.e., gyne mandibular glands and male labial glands). Male responsiveness to gyne mandibular gland secretion was reduced, but not the queen responsiveness to the male labial secretion. In addition, pesticide exposure reduced queen fat body lipid stores and male sperm quality. Overall, the exposure to imidacloprid affected the fitness and CHCs of both sexes and the antennal responses of males to gynes. Together, our findings identify disruption of chemical signaling as the mechanism through which sublethal pesticide exposure reduces mating success.
Tuning the contractility and deformation modes of active actin-based assemblies in vitro: from 2D active networks to liquid crystal drops
Authors: Stam Samantha , Huntley Steven , Feigeles Carolyn A. , Armstrong Veronica J. , Cheves Margaret A. , Rubin Sam , Weirich Kimberly L. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTActin cytoskeleton-based materials are widely investigated as model cellular materials to elucidate physical mechanisms of cell mechanics, such as shape regulation and force production, as well as intriguing soft polymeric materials. In this method, we detail creating actin-based assembliesin vitrousing purified protein for fluorescence microscopy studies. We polymerize long actin filaments in a sample chamber and use a polymer depletant to crowd filaments into a 2D-entangled network against a surface passivated with a surfactant layer. Adding skeletal muscle myosin II filaments in the presence of ATP induces contraction of the actin network. By bundling actin filaments with cross-linker, we tune the contractility of the assembly, transitioning from a material that buckles to a material that slides at the microscale. By reducing the length of the actin filaments through co-polymerizing actin in the presence of capping protein, we tune the material from being a 2D network to a liquid crystal. Cross-linking of dispersed short actin filaments results in 3D liquid crystal droplet formation.
Identification of potent HSV antivirals using 3D bioprinted human skin equivalents
Authors: Ellison S. Tori , Hayman Ian , Derr Kristy , Derr Paige , Frebert Shayne , Itkin Zina , Shen Min , Jones Anthony , Olson Wendy , Corey Lawrence , Wald Anna , Johnston Christine , Fong Youyi , Ferrer Marc , Zhu Jia 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHerpes simplex virus (HSV) infection has worldwide public health concerns and lifelong medical impacts. The standard therapy, acyclovir, has limited efficacy in preventing HSV subclinical virus shedding, and drug resistance occurs in immunocompromised patients, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics. HSV infection manifests in the skin epidermal layer, but current drug discovery utilizes Vero cells and fibroblasts monolayer cultures, capturing neitherin vivorelevance nor tissue environment. To bridge the gap, we established 3D bioprinted human skin equivalents that recapitulate skin architecture in a 96-well plate format amenable for antiviral screening and preclinical testing. Screening a library of 738 compounds with broad targets and mechanisms of action, we identified potent antivirals, including most of the known anti-HSV compounds, validating the translational relevance of our assay. Acyclovir was dramatically less potent for inhibiting HSV in keratinocytes compared to donor-matched fibroblasts. In contrast, antivirals against HSV helicase/primase or host replication pathways displayed similar potency across cell types and donor sources in 2D and 3D models. The reduced potency of acyclovir in keratinocytes, the primary cell type encountered by HSV reactivation, helps explain the limited benefit acyclovir and its congeners play in reducing sexual transmission. Finally, we demonstrated that our 3D bioprinted skin platform can integrate patient-derived cells, facilitating the incorporation of variable genetic backgrounds early into drug testing. Thus, these data indicate that the 3D bioprinted human skin equivalent assay platform provides a more physiologically relevant approach to identifying potential antivirals for HSV-directed drug development.One Sentence SummaryHigh-throughput screen using 3D bioprinted human skin equivalents to identify antivirals against HSV and evaluate cell-type specific effects.
Caliber of zebrafish touch-sensory axons is dynamic in vivo
Authors: Ching Kaitlin , Sagasti Alvaro 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCell shape is crucial to cell function, particularly in neurons. The cross-sectional diameter, also known as caliber, of axons and dendrites is an important parameter of neuron shape, best appreciated for its influence on the speed of action potential propagation. Many studies of axon caliber focus on cell-wide regulation and assume that caliber is static. Here, we have characterized local variation and dynamics of axon caliber in vivo using the peripheral axons of zebrafish touch-sensing neurons at embryonic stages, prior to sex determination. To obtain absolute measurements of caliber in vivo, we paired sparse membrane labeling with super- resolution microscopy of neurons in live fish. We observed that axon segments had varicose or “pearled” morphologies, and thus vary in caliber along their length, consistent with reports from mammalian systems. Sister axon segments originating from the most proximal branch point in the axon arbor had average calibers that were uncorrelated with each other. Axon caliber also tapered across the branch point. Varicosities and caliber, overall, were dynamic on the timescale of minutes, and dynamicity changed over the course of development. By measuring the caliber of axons adjacent to dividing epithelial cells, we found that skin cell division is one aspect of the cellular microenvironment that may drive local differences and dynamics in axon caliber. Our findings support the possibility that spatial and temporal variation in axon caliber could significantly influence neuronal physiology.Significance StatementAxon caliber directly influences how quickly neurons send messages to other cells and likely plays a role in neurons’ overall health. In the peripheral nervous system, where neurons cover particularly long distances, cell shape can determine whether an animal successfully executes behaviors such as escape responses. We found that axon caliber can vary between locations within the same cell and is highly dynamic. Taking these variations into account may allow neuroscientists to better estimate transmission speeds for cells in neural circuits. We observed that axon caliber is distorted when nearby skin cells change shape. Thus, cells not classically considered part of the nervous system can also contribute to caliber dynamics, broadening our view of axon caliber determinants.
MEGA-FISH: multi-omics extensible GPU-accelerated FISH processing framework for huge-scale spatial omics
Authors: Ito Yuma , Tomimatsu Kosuke , Nagasaki Masao , Ochiai Hiroshi , Ohkawa Yasuyuki 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSpatial omics enables comprehensive mapping of cell types and states in their spatial context, providing profound insights into cellular communication and tissue organization. However, analyzing large tissue sections, especially crucial for clinical applications, remains a significant challenge due to the computational demands of current image processing methods. To overcome these limitations, we developed MEGA-FISH, a flexible, GPU-accelerated Python framework optimized for large-scale spatial omics image analysis. Benchmarking on simulated and tissue images demonstrated that MEGA-FISH achieved high accuracy in spot detection while significantly reducing processing times compared with established tools. The framework’s adaptable computational capabilities optimize resource allocation (e.g., GPU or multi-core CPU) for diverse tasks, and its scalable architecture enables integration with advanced imaging and segmentation techniques. By bridging cutting-edge imaging methods and single-cell analysis, MEGA-FISH provides an efficient platform for multi-modal analysis and advances research and clinical applications of spatial omics at organ and organism scales.
ActinoMation: a literate programming approach for medium-throughput robotic conjugation ofStreptomycesspp
Authors: Møller Tenna Alexiadis , Booth Thom , Shaw Simon , Møller Vilhelm Krarup , Frandsen Rasmus J.N. , Weber Tilmann 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe genusStreptomycesare valuable producers of antibiotics and other pharmaceutically important bioactive compounds. Advances in molecular engineering tools, such as CRISPR, has provided some access to the metabolic potential ofStreptomyces, but efficient genetic engineering of strains is hindered by laborious and slow manual transformation protocols. In this paper, we present a semi-automated medium-throughput workflow for the introduction of recombinant DNA intoStreptomycesspp. using the affordable and open-sourced Opentrons (OT-2) robotics platform. To increase the accessibility of the workflow we provide an open-source protocol-creator, ActinoMation. ActinoMation is a literate programming environment using Python in Jupyter Notebook. We validated the method by transformingStreptomyces coelicolor(M1152 and M1146),S. albidoflavus(J1047), andS. venezuelae(DSM40230) with the plasmids pSETGUS and pIJ12551. We demonstrate conjugation efficiencies of 3.33*10−3for M1152 with pSETGUS and pIJ12551; 2.96*10−3for M1146 with pSETGUS and pIJ12551; 1.21*10−5for J1047 with pSETGUS and 4.70*10−4with pIJ12551, and 4.97*10−2for DSM40230 with pSETGUS and 6.13*10−2with pIJ12551 with a false positive rate between 8.33% and 54.54%. Automation of the conjugation workflow improves consistency when handling large sample sizes that facilitates easy reproducibility on a larger scale.
Interaction of osteoprotegerin with fibulin-1 is essential for extracellular matrix deposition in fibrotic lung tissue
Authors: Liu Y , Habibie H. , Borghuis Theo , Liu Gang , Hansbro Philip M , Melgert B.N. , Burgess J.K. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, fatal lung disease with an unclear cause and no cure. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a well-known regulator of bone extracellular matrix (ECM), is increased in pulmonary fibrosis and this is associated with lower lung function and IPF progression. Fibulin-1, a key ECM protein, is increased in lung fibroblasts and lung tissues from patients with IPF and high levels are predictive of a poor prognosis for these patients. We found a positive correlation between levels of OPG and fibulin-1 in serum from patients with IPF, but it is unknown if these proteins interact. This study aimed at investigating interactions between OPG and fibulin-1 in lung fibrosis, hypothesizing that OPG may form a complex with fibulin-1 thereby possibly influencing lung fibrosis.We investigated intracellular interactions between OPG and fibulin-1 in human lung fibroblasts, showing neither OPG nor fibulin-1 expression were dependent on each other. However, OPG protein deposition was significantly decreased in lung tissues of fibulin-1 knockout mice (fibulin-1−/−)compared to controls suggesting extracellular interactions. Subsequently, we detected colocalization of both proteins in both IPF and control lung tissues using immunofluorescence, with both of them also colocalizing with latent TGFβ binding protein 1 (LTBP1). Proximity ligation analyses confirmed close proximity of OPG to fibulin-1 and fibulin-1 to LTBP1, particularly in the interstitial regions of both control and IPF lung tissue, but not OPG and LTBP1.In conclusion, we found that OPG, fibulin-1 and LTBP1 seem to form a complex, with fibulin-1 playing a bridging role between OPG and LTBP1, in the extracellular environment. This complex may play a regulatory role in deposition of extracellular matrix in lung tissue.
Accessing the specific capacity of TIL-derived CD8 T-cells to suppress tumor recurrence in resectable HBV-HCC patients
Authors: Kah Janine , Staffeldt Lisa , Mattert Gregor , Volz Tassilo , Schulze Kornelius , Heumann Asmus , Voß Maximillian , Hoell Marie-Charlotte , Goebel Meike , Peine Sven , Dandri Maura , Lüth Stefan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma represents a significant global health challenge, affecting over a million patients annually, arising mainly from chronic liver diseases, with a majority being related to viral infections. However, despite the groundbreaking clinical results of immune checkpoint blockades and adoptive cell therapies, we still face non-responders accompanied by high rebound rates after resection. Considering that the main concern is to overcome a highly specialized immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of the individual patient, the characterization of the particular tumor microenvironment and the source of the immune cells used in ACT is of immense importance. Approved ACT therapies mainly use modified peripheral blood cells from individuals. At the same time, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are underrepresented even if they have garnered interest due to their potential to target tumor-specific antigens more effectively.MethodsIn this study, we employed allogenic and autologous immune cell sources for expansion and stimulation, resulting in adoptive T-cell transfer experiments determining the effector cell differentiation and the related anti-tumor effects by the possible implementation of re-stimulation.ResultsWe determined a high success rate in expanding and stimulating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with consistent CD8 T-cell fractions from HCC patients. To showcase the effectiveness of stimulated T-cells from different sources, we generated cell lines derived from the margin and center of an HBV-induced HCC with a highly immune-suppressive TME. We found effective immune responses supported by cell death induction, ferroptosis, proptosis and apoptosis triggered by all sources of T-cells depending on the area of derived tumor cells.ConclusionEffector T-cell fractions derived from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes present a viable source for cell-based immune therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in HCC patients, especially after resection, to suppress rebound strategies of the parental tumor on an individual level.