bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meditation expertise influences response bias and prestimulus alpha activity in the somatosensory signal detection task
Authors: Mylius Maik , Guendelman Simon , Iliopoulos Fivos , Gallese Vittorio , Kaltwasser Laura 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the proposed mechanism of mindfulness, its impact on body awareness and interoception, and its potential benefits for mental and physical health. Using psychophysical assessments, we compared 31 expert meditators with 33 matched controls (non‐meditators who engage in regular reading, more than 5 h per week) in terms of somatosensory accuracy with a somatosensory signal detection task (SSDT) and interoceptive sensibility via self‐report measures. We hypothesized that meditators would demonstrate superior somatosensory accuracy, indicative of heightened body awareness, potentially linked to increased alpha modulation in the somatosensory cortex, as observed via electroencephalography (EEG). In the SSDT, participants attempted to detect near‐threshold tactile stimuli presented with a non‐informative light in half of the trials. Contrary to our expectations, the findings showed that meditators had a lower decision threshold rather than higher accuracy. EEG results corroborated earlier research, indicating reduced prestimulus alpha power in meditators, suggesting enhanced alpha modulation. Furthermore, a trial‐by‐trial analysis revealed a negative correlation between prestimulus alpha activity and tactile perception. Compared to controls, meditators also reported greater interoceptive sensibility, less emotional suppression, and fewer difficulties in describing feelings. These findings may imply that enhanced tactile perception is associated with lower prestimulus alpha activity by reducing sensory filtering in the somatosensory cortex, thus increasing response rates without necessarily improving accuracy among meditators.
Eco‐Esteem and Depopulation: Broadening the Perspective on the Demographic Challenge in the Rural World*
Authors: Jaraíz‐Arroyo Germán , Ruíz‐Ballesteros Esteban , García María Cristina Gálvez 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe dynamics of contemporary rural depopulation have been explained and addressed mainly as a result of structural transformations brought about by economic globalization. The influence of cultural/relational aspects has been less present in the scientific literature, where much of the analysis has been concerned with questions such as the effect of bond and attachment to the local. In connection with this matter, our paper explores how the interactions between social capital and community resilience dynamics affect decisions to leave or stay. The paper finds that the link between social capital and local resilience strategies is mediated by interdependent pattern. To understand how these connections are shaped and operate, we propose the notion of eco‐esteem, understanding it as a pattern of linkages with the socio‐ecosystem, determined by relationships and practices, which conditions people's attitudes, behaviors, expectations and, ultimately, their decisions to stay in or leave the rural world. To demonstrate the usefulness of this theoretical‐methodological perspective, we present a qualitative ethnographic case study in two municipalities in Extremadura (Spain), which are similar in their socio‐demographic characteristics, but which experience significantly different depopulation dynamics.
Brexsea Trade and Uncertainty: Impact of Brexit on Seafood Exports
Authors: Santika Nita , Oglend Atle , Straume Hans‐Martin , Asche Frank 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the effect of the Brexit referendum on Norwegian firms' exports of fresh seafood to the United Kingdom. We exploit the referendum as a quasi‐natural experiment to investigate the effect of an uncertainty shock in trade on export values, volumes, and prices, as well as market entry and exit. First, we find that Norwegian firms experienced an average 2% decrease in total export value resulting from the referendum, suggesting a limited aggregate effect. Second, we examine the role of duration in firm‐to‐firm relationships in response to the shock, finding that more established relationships responded relatively more along the intensive margin to the shock. Third, the market dynamic post‐referendum reveals a nuanced impact; while new market entries were limited, a slight increase in exit probabilities was observed. This reflects a strategic response by Norwegian exporters to the shock, particularly amongst firms with an established export history, indicating a reassessment of market presence. Overall, Norwegian exporters have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, effectively adjusting to the challenges of the Brexit referendum with minimal disruptions while maintaining their international trade relations amidst short‐term uncertainties.
Interleukin‐1 type 1 receptor blockade attenuates the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in male UC Davis type 2 diabetic mellitus rats
Authors: Huo Yu , Samora Milena , McCuller Richard K. , Stanhope Kimber L. , Havel Peter J. , Harrison Michelle L. , Stone Audrey J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAn exaggerated exercise pressor reflex and peripheral neuropathy are both evoked by the same type of thinly myelinated afferents and are present in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although it is known that the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) contributes to peripheral neuropathy, the effects of IL‐1β on the exercise pressor reflex in T2DM are not known. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of IL‐1 receptors on the exercise pressor reflex in T2DM. We compared changes in peak pressor (mean arterial pressure; ΔMAP), blood pressure index (ΔBPi), heart rate (ΔHR) and heart rate index (ΔHRi) responses to static and intermittent contractions and tendon stretch before and after peripheral IL‐1 type 1 receptor blockade (anakinra, Kineret®) in T2DM and healthy male rats and IL‐1 receptor activation (IL‐1β) in healthy rats. Blocking IL‐1 receptors significantly attenuated the ΔMAP and ΔBPi to static contraction in T2DM rats. Furthermore, blocking IL‐1 receptors significantly attenuated the ΔMAP, ΔBPi and ΔHRi to intermittent contraction, and ΔMAP to tendon stretch in T2DM rats (all P < 0.05). In addition, IL‐1 receptor activation significantly exaggerated the ΔMAP and ΔBPi to static contraction and ΔMAP, ΔBPi and ΔHR to intermittent contraction in healthy rats, all P < 0.05. Furthermore, circulating IL‐1β serum concentrations were significantly greater in T2DM rats than in healthy rats (P < 0.05). We conclude that IL‐1 signalling contributes to the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in T2DM, suggesting for the first time that inflammatory cytokines play a critical role in exaggerated blood pressure responses to exercise in those with T2DM.
imageKey points
Chronic inflammation, a complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), causes increased production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumour necrosis factor‐α.
IL‐1β has been shown to sensitize muscle afferents that conduct the exercise pressor reflex.
We found blocking of IL‐1 receptors by anakinra (Kineret®), an IL‐1 type 1 receptor antagonist, significantly attenuated the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in T2DM rats, but not in healthy rats. In addition, activating IL‐1 receptors with IL‐1β significantly augmented the exercise pressor reflex in healthy rats.
Our findings suggest that IL‐1 receptors, by mediating IL‐1β signalling, play a role in exaggerating the exercise pressor reflex in T2DM.
These results highlight the complex interplay between inflammation and the autonomic nervous system in regulating cardiovascular function, and the potential for using an FDA‐approved IL‐1 receptor antagonist, Kineret®, as a therapeutic approach to reduce adverse cardiovascular events during physical activity in those with T2DM.
Staphylococcus epidermidis
ST2 strains associated with bloodstream infections contain a unique mobile genetic element encoding a plasmin inhibitor
Authors: Gomez Amy A. , Kjerfve Clara , Choi Minseo , Liu Wen , Churion Kelly , Thomas Sheila , Rohde Holger , Shelburne Sam , Skare Jon T. , Hook Magnus , Arora Srishtee 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus epidermidis
, a common commensal bacterium, is a leading cause of nosocomial catheter-associated bloodstream infections.
S. epidermidis
sequence type 2 (ST2) is specifically recognized globally for causing invasive disease. In this study, we identified a novel putative integrated conjugative element, pICE-Sepi-ST2, unique to the genomes of
S. epidermidis
ST2. Our investigation identified pICE-Sepi-ST2 in all ST2 isolates from bloodstream infections. Meanwhile, ST2 isolates from other infection sources, such as catheters, prosthetic joints, and fracture fixations, showed variable pICE-Sepi-ST2 prevalence. pICE-Sepi-ST2 encodes two putative cell wall anchored proteins that we have designated SesX and SesY. Biochemical characterization of SesY revealed that it binds both plasminogen (Plg) and plasmin (Pln) and inhibits Pln’s ability to cleave a chromogenic substrate and degrade fibrin clots. Furthermore, all ST2 isolates containing a pICE-Sepi-ST2 also have a mutated
sdrG
gene. Thus, all ST2 isolates have two genetic modifications that target distinct steps in the hemostatic pathway. SdrG, which inhibits coagulation, is inactivated, and SesY, which inhibits fibrin, is introduced. These findings suggest that the hemostasis pathway is a strategic target for ST2
S. epidermidis
bloodstream pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

This study uncovers a new virulence mechanism in
Staphylococcus epidermidis
ST2 bloodstream isolates. We identify a mobile genetic element (MGE) characteristic of an integrated conjugated element (ICE). pICE-Sepi-ST2 carries the genetic information needed to produce a cell wall-anchored (CWA) protein called SesY. The results indicate that SesY binds to plasminogen (Plg) and plasmin (Pln) and inhibits Pln’s degradation of fibrin clots. Genetic analysis showed that all ST2 bloodstream isolates can express the plasmin inhibitor SesY and carry a mutation in the SdrG gene, resulting in the expression of inactive SdrG. Thus, we describe a molecular pathway targeting the coagulation pathway that may be required for
S. epidermidis
ST2 to cause bloodstream infections.
Tackling the unyielding: testing two novel approaches against NDM-producing Enterobacterales and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates collected in India
Authors: Bakthavatchalam Yamuna Devi , Behera Bijayini , Shah Anand , Mathur Purva , Ray Raja , Fomda Bashir Ahmed , Walia Kamini , Veeraraghavan Balaji 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The
in vitro
activity of two novel antibiotics with different modes of action, (i) siderophore cefiderocol and (ii) β-lactam-enhancer mechanism-based cefepime/zidebactam, was tested against New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing Enterobacterales and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
collected in India. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics against multicentric NDM-producing
Escherichia coli
(
n
= 117),
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(
n
= 103), and
P. aeruginosa
(
n
= 72) were determined by the reference broth microdilution method. Among
E. coli
, 111 isolates were NDM-alone, and six were NDM + OXA-48-like producers. Among
K. pneumoniae
, 47 and 56 isolates were NDM-alone and NDM + OXA-48-like producers, respectively. All
E. coli
isolates harbored four amino acid inserts in their penicillin-binding protein 3. Using the highest susceptible breakpoint among CLSI, FDA, and EUCAST interpretive criteria, cefiderocol susceptibility was 39.3%, ≤80%, and 57%, for NDM ± OXA-48-like-producing
E. coli
, NDM ± OXA-48-like-producing
K. pneumoniae,
and NDM-producing
P. aeruginosa
, respectively. At a cefepime break point of ≤8 mg/L, 100% of Enterobacterales and ≥90% of
P. aeruginosa
isolates were cefepime/zidebactam-susceptible. NDM being a dominant carbapenemase among Enterobacterales and
P. aeruginosa
in India, the variable activity of cefiderocol against NDM producers is a concern. Post approval, cefepime/zidebactam could offer a promising treatment option against NDM producers.

IMPORTANCE

Metallo-β-lactamases are therapeutically challenging due to the limited treatment options. Against such isolates, currently approved newer β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations are ineffective. In this study, we tested siderophore cephalosporin, cefiderocol, which utilizes an unconventional iron uptake pathway for efficient cellular penetration, and cefepime/zidebactam that utilizes novel β-lactam enhancer mechanisms for overcoming diverse carbapenemases. Cefiderocol showed limited activity against
Escherichia coli
isolates co-harboring New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) with PBP3 insert, dual carbapenemase (NDM with OXA-48 like)-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and NDM-producing
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates, while cefepime/zidebactam potently inhibited NDM-producing Enterobacterales and
P. aeruginosa
isolates. NDM being a dominant carbapenemase among Enterobacterales and
P. aeruginosa
in India, the variable activity of cefiderocol against NDM producers is a concern. Post approval, cefepime/zidebactam could offer a promising treatment option against NDM producers.
Improvement of a MALDI-TOF database for the reliable identification of
Candidozyma auris
(formally
Candida auris
) and related species
Authors: Zhu Hui-Hui , Liu Miao-Miao , Boekhout Teun , Wang Qi-Ming 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a promising technique for the rapid identification microorganisms. The aim of this study was to create a new database for the accurate identification of
Candidozyma auris
(formerly known as
Candida auris
) and 11 species of the
Candidozyma haemuli
species complex, including
C. chanthaburiensis
,
C. duobushaemuli
,
C. haemuli
,
C. heveicola
,
C. khanbhai
,
C. konsanensis
,
C. metrosideri
,
C. ohialehuae
,
C. pseudohaemuli
,
C. ruelliae
, and
C. vulturna
. Seventy-one
Candidozyma
isolates from different national institutions were studied. Thirty-seven strains were used to create a MALDI-TOF (microTyper MS) database using the formic acid extraction method. The validation of this database was performed with 34 other strains of the genus
Candidozyma
, and the result was compared with the identification results when using DBRs v1.0.0.4 (Tianrui, China). Our library allowed a 100% identification of the evaluated strains with all strains showing log scores of >2.0. Repeatability and reproducibility tests result showed a coefficient of variation of the log score values of less than 5%. The MALDI-TOF MS system can identify
C. auris
and related species quickly and accurately. This method will play a crucial role in accurately diagnosing infectious agents of the genus
Candidozyma
in clinical practice.

IMPORTANCE

Importance
Candidozyma auris
, also known as
Candida auris
, has quickly spread across the world, and prompt identification of
C. auris
from infected individuals is critical. However, a standard identification method is lacking for the identification of
C. auris
in clinical and public health laboratories. To make matters worse, its biochemical assimilation profile was found to be similar to that of closely related and even no-related species, leading to frequent misidentification. To improve diagnostics of this and closely related species, we created a database of reference mass spectra resulting in the efficient and correct identification of all
Candidozyma
species by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Moreover, potential pathogenic species of
Candidozyma
can be effectively identified by MALDI-TOF MS, and differentiated from non-clinically relevant phylogenetic relatives. Thus, MALDI-TOF MS may help expedite laboratory diagnosis and treatment of
C. auris
and related species of clinical importance and help the clinician to decide on early treatment.
Prior immunity to
Ureaplasma urealyticum
protects against respiratory infection in immunosuppressed mice
Authors: Al-Jabri Maha Y. , Patel Robin , Fleming Derek 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Ureaplasma
species can cause systemic infections in immunocompromised hosts, including lung transplant recipients. Here, we investigated the impact of prior exposure to
Ureaplasma urealyticum
on the risk of
U. urealyticum
and
Ureaplasma parvum
infection in mice subjected to an immunosuppression regimen similar to that administered to solid organ transplant recipients. Mice were immunized with three intramuscular injections of
U. urealyticum
, with control mice injected with adjuvant only. Following immunization, mice received tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and methylprednisolone, and then were challenged with
U. urealyticum
or
U. parvum
intraperitoneally and intratracheally over 6 days. Relative
U. urealyticum
antibody levels in plasma were assessed over time, and lungs were harvested at sacrifice for bacterial load quantification, assessed using a color-changing unit assay.
U. urealyticum
antibody levels were higher in immunized compared with control animals (
P
< 0.0001), even when animals were immunosuppressed.
U. urealyticum
and
U. parvum
lung burden was reduced in immunized compared with control mice (~6 log
10
reduction for
U. urealyticum
and <1 log
10
reduction for
U. parvum
;
P
= 0.008 and 0.046, respectively). In summary, this study shows that prior exposure to live
U. urealyticum
provides some protection against infection with
U. urealyticum
.

IMPORTANCE

Ureaplasma
-induced hyperammonemia syndrome is a rare but potentially deadly complication of solid organ transplantation, especially lung transplantation. The pathophysiology of this relatively recently recognized condition is poorly understood, and it is unclear what factors may influence patient susceptibility. This study investigates the possible protective effects of prior exposure to
Ureaplasma urealyticum
in a mouse model subjected to an immunosuppression regimen similar to that given to lung transplant recipients. The findings show that prior exposure could provide protection against
Ureaplasma
lung infection.
Association Between the Serum Level of Asprosin and Metabolic Parameters in Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Yang Hongbo , Chen Meiping , Liu Shanshan , Zhang Yuelun , Wang Linjie , Duan Lian , Gong Fengying , Zhu Huijuan , Pan Hui 
Published: November 2024

Objective: Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is characterized by central adiposity and metabolic disorders. Asprosin, a newly discovered adipokine, plays a crucial role in connecting adipose tissue function with the development of metabolic syndrome. This study aims to evaluate the circulating levels of asprosin in AGHD patients and explore the potential correlation between asprosin levels and various metabolic parameters.Subjects and Methods: Forty male patients with AGHD (mean age: 33.5 ± 9.5 yrs and mean BMI: 25.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2) and forty age‐, gender‐, and BMI‐matched non‐AGHD controls were enrolled. Medical history, anthropometric parameters (weight, height, waist circumference), and biochemical and hormonal investigations were collected from the electronic medical record system. Fat mass, fat percentage, and fat‐free mass (FFM) were evaluated by bioelectrical impedance. Serum levels of asprosin were measured by ELISA.Results: Patients with AGHD demonstrated notably increased waist‐to‐hip ratios, triglyceride levels, and decreased HDL‐cholesterol levels compared with the control group. In additionally, AGHD patients exhibited significantly higher serum levels of asprosin compared with controls (p = 0.039). A notable association was observed between serum asprosin levels and FFM, triglycerides, and HDL‐cholesterol levels in the whole population.Conclusions: Our study highlights distinct metabolic alterations in AGHD patients when matched for BMI with controls and investigates variations in serum asprosin levels for the first time. These findings have significant implications for identifying potential biomarkers for metabolic syndrome risk in AGHD patients and informing future treatment approaches.
Sex-Based Differences in Long-Term Outcomes Following Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale for Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Flores-Umanzor Eduardo , Abrahamyan Lusine , Asghar Areeba , Schrutka Lore , Everett Karl , Lee Douglas S. , Osten Mark , Benson Lee , Horlick Eric 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:
Evidence from trials suggests that patent foramen ovale closure is superior to medical therapy alone in reducing stroke recurrence in men but not in women. Evidence from real-world data on the impact of sex on outcomes after patent foramen ovale closure, however, remains scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess sex-based differences in long-term outcomes after transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale.

METHODS:
This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study enrolling patients who underwent transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure to prevent recurrent cerebrovascular events. Detailed information from medical charts was entered into a clinical registry, which has been linked to population-based administrative health databases in Ontario. Procedural, short, and long-term outcomes have been compared by sex.

RESULTS:
Of the 783 patients included in the sample, 349 (44.5%) were women and 434 (55.5%) were men. Women were younger and had a higher rate of migraine, while men had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. No differences were observed in procedural and 30-day outcomes by sex. At a median follow-up of 14 years, the event rates of recurrent cerebrovascular events, survival, and new-onset atrial fibrillation were not different by sex. In adjusted analysis, men experienced higher rates of pacemaker implantation (hazard ratio, 5.62 [95% CI, 1.57–20.1]).

CONCLUSIONS:
No sex-based differences in recurrent cerebrovascular events, survival, or new-onset atrial fibrillation were observed in this study, suggesting equal benefits for both sexes. Future studies should report outcomes by sex to enhance the reproducibility of our findings and help support guideline development.