bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myoelectric motor execution and sensory training to treat chronic pain and paralysis in a replanted arm: a case study
Authors: Kristoffersen Morten B. , Munoz-Novoa Maria , Buist Mirka , Emadeldin Mona , Reinholdt Carina , Ortiz-Catalan Max 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Following upper limb amputation, surgeries such as arm transplantation or replantation might be an option to restore function. After such surgeries, rehabilitation of the arm is needed. However, conventional rehabilitation is dependent on some volitional movement of the arm. If there is no or minimal movement of the arm, conventional rehabilitation might not be successful. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a novel combination of myoelectric motor execution (MME) and sensory training (ST) to reduce pain and improve upper limb function in a person with a highly impaired replanted arm.

Methods
The participant, a 72-year-old male, had his right arm replanted after a traumatic accident. No functional recovery was achieved following conventional rehabilitation and chronic neuropathic pain developed post-surgery. The participant then received 18 sessions of MME in which intended movements were decoded from the replanted arm’s myoelectric signals using machine learning and real-time feedback was provided on a screen. Nine sessions included ST using tactile grids where the participant discriminated different sensations.

Results
The participant regained active extension of the thumb (4 degrees) and regained active wrist movement (flex: 6 degrees, extend: 10 degrees), both of which had no active movement prior the MME interventions. He also perceived an increase in sensation in the thumb and fingers. Pain levels fluctuated throughout the study and no consistent change could be concluded.

Conclusion
MME is a novel virtual rehabilitation treatment which provides feedback using virtual limbs and serious games. MME combined with ST is a potential rehabilitation treatment for individuals with highly impaired arms and hands which might ameliorate chronic neuropathic pain.
Experiences of violence while in insecure migration status: a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Innes Alexandria , Bunce Annie , Manzur Hannah , Lewis Natalia V. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The global movement of people in the context of strict immigration laws and policies places significant numbers of people in insecure migration status worldwide. Insecure status leaves people without recourse to legal, governmental or social protection from violence and abuse. This review synthesized qualitative studies that reported how migrants associated physical and physically enforced sexual violence they experienced with their insecure migration status.

Methods
We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis of 31 studies published between 1 January 2000 and 31 May 2023, with data from Europe, North America, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Our thematic synthesis produced 14 inductive descriptive codes, four descriptive themes and three analytical themes.

Results
We generated robust qualitative evidence showing that women experienced sexual violence while in transit or without status in a host state, and that they associated that violence with their insecure migration status. This was the case across the various geographic routes and destination countries. We found evidence that women associated intimate partner violence with lacking (legal) access to support because of their insecure migration status. We found evidence that women connected their unwillingness to leave violent circumstances, and therefore their prolonged or repeated exposure to violence, with a fear of immigration removal produced by their insecure migration status.

Conclusion
To protect people in insecure migration status from experiencing violence that they associated with their migration status, it’s necessary to ensure that the reporting of violence does not lead to immigration enforcement consequences for the victim.
A Natural History Study of Timothy Syndrome
Authors: Timothy Katherine W. , Bauer Rosemary , Larkin Kerry A. , Walsh Edward P. , Abrams Dominic J. , Gonzalez Corcia Cecilia , Valsamakis Alexandra , Pitt Geoffrey S. , Dick Ivy E. , Golden Andy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Timothy syndrome (OMIM #601005) is a rare disease caused by variants in the gene CACNA1C. Initially, Timothy syndrome was characterized by a cardiac presentation of long QT syndrome and syndactyly of the fingers and/or toes, all associated with the CACNA1C variant, Gly406Arg. However, subsequent identification of diverse variants in CACNA1C has expanded the clinical spectrum, revealing various cardiac and extra-cardiac manifestations. It remains underexplored whether individuals with the canonical Gly406Arg variants in mutually exclusive exon 8A (Timothy syndrome 1) or exon 8 (Timothy syndrome 2) exhibit overlapping symptoms. Moreover, case reports have indicated that some CACNA1C variants may produce a cardiac-selective form of Timothy syndrome often referred to as non-syndromic long QT type 8 or cardiac-only Timothy syndrome, however few reports follow up on these patients to confirm the cardiac selectivity of the phenotype over time.

Methods
A survey was administered to the parents of patients with Timothy syndrome, querying a broad range of symptoms and clinical features. Study participants were organized into 5 separate categories based on genotype and initial diagnosis, enabling comparison between groups of patients which have been described differentially in the literature.

Results
Our findings reveal that Timothy syndrome patients commonly exhibit both cardiac and extra-cardiac features, with long QT syndrome, neurodevelopmental impairments, hypoglycemia, and respiratory issues being frequently reported. Notably, the incidence of these features was similar across all patient categories, including those diagnosed with non-syndromic long QT type 8, suggesting that the ‘non-syndromic’ classification may be incomplete.

Conclusions
This study represents the first Natural History Study of Timothy syndrome, offering a comprehensive overview of the disease’s clinical manifestations. We demonstrate that both cardiac and extra-cardiac features are prevalent across all patient groups, underscoring the syndromic nature of CACNA1C variants. While the critical role of long QT syndrome and cardiac arrhythmias in Timothy syndrome has been well recognized, our findings indicate that hypoglycemia and respiratory dysfunction also pose significant life-threatening risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive therapeutic management of affected individuals.
Nuclear pore and nucleocytoplasmic transport impairment in oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration: relevance to molecular mechanisms in Pathogenesis of Parkinson’s and other related neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Riaz Zainab , Richardson Gabriel S. , Jin Huajun , Zenitsky Gary , Anantharam Vellareddy , Kanthasamy Arthi , Kanthasamy Anumantha G. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are embedded in the nuclear envelope and facilitate the exchange of macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells. The dysfunction of the NPC and nuclear transport plays a significant role in aging and the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. Common features among these neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), encompass mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and the accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates in specific brain regions. The susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons to mitochondrial stress underscores the pivotal role of mitochondria in PD progression. Disruptions in mitochondrial-nuclear communication are exacerbated by aging and α-synuclein-induced oxidative stress in PD. The precise mechanisms underlying mitochondrial impairment-induced neurodegeneration in PD are still unclear. Evidence suggests that perturbations in dopaminergic neuronal nuclei are linked to PD-related neurodegeneration. These perturbations involve structural damage to the nuclear envelope and mislocalization of pivotal transcription factors, potentially driven by oxidative stress or α-synuclein pathology. The presence of protein aggregates, pathogenic mutations, and ongoing oxidative stress can exacerbate the dysfunction of NPCs, yet this mechanism remains understudied in the context of oxidative stress-induced PD. This review summarizes the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and dopaminergic neurodegeneration and outlines the current evidence for nuclear envelope and nuclear transport abnormalities in PD, particularly in oxidative stress. We highlight the potential role of nuclear pore and nucleocytoplasmic transport dysfunction in PD and stress the importance of systematically investigating NPC components in PD.
Supervised multiple kernel learning approaches for multi-omics data integration
Authors: Briscik Mitja , Tazza Gabriele , Vidács László , Dillies Marie-Agnès , Déjean Sébastien 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Advances in high-throughput technologies have originated an ever-increasing availability of omics datasets. The integration of multiple heterogeneous data sources is currently an issue for biology and bioinformatics. Multiple kernel learning (MKL) has shown to be a flexible and valid approach to consider the diverse nature of multi-omics inputs, despite being an underused tool in genomic data mining.

Results
We provide novel MKL approaches based on different kernel fusion strategies. To learn from the meta-kernel of input kernels, we adapted unsupervised integration algorithms for supervised tasks with support vector machines. We also tested deep learning architectures for kernel fusion and classification. The results show that MKL-based models can outperform more complex, state-of-the-art, supervised multi-omics integrative approaches.

Conclusion
Multiple kernel learning offers a natural framework for predictive models in multi-omics data. It proved to provide a fast and reliable solution that can compete with and outperform more complex architectures. Our results offer a direction for bio-data mining research, biomarker discovery and further development of methods for heterogeneous data integration.
Post COVID-19 vaccination coverage recovery model
Authors: Piano Marina Giuliana Del , Russo Marina , Vassallo Francesca , Buono Pietro , Ciarambino Tiziana , Carbone Carmine , Russo Giuseppe 
Published: November 2024

AbstractVaccination is a crucial tool for the primary prevention of infectious diseases. Thanks to the widespread of vaccinations it has been possible to eradicate very serious diseases. Unfortunately, vaccination coverage in Italy has been decreasing starting from 2015, getting worse during COVID-19. Nowadays, very few Italian regions have achieved the goal of 95% coverage. In this study we present a vaccination recovery model proposed by Local Health Department “Napoli 3 Sud” in Campania. An evaluation of the vaccination coverage from January 2019 to December 2021 of the 13 Districts of the Local Health Department “Napoli 3 Sud” in Campania was carried out, by extraction from the regional computerized platform “GE.VA” Regional Vaccine Registry and from Sinfonia Vaccini Soresa platform. Vaccination coverage of the Local Health Department “Napoli 3 Sud” for the cohorts of newborns in the year 2019–2021 improved to an average of 96.29% for Pneumococco, of 84.78% for Meningococcal, of 94.3% for Measles, Mumps and Rubella, 91.4% for chickenpox. This study highlights how the collaboration between family pediatricians and the Local Health Department, with the help of a regional computerized platform GE.VA, is effective in improving vaccination coverage.
High Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever incidence linked to greater genetic diversity and differentiation in Hyalomma marginatum populations in Türkiye
Authors: Hekimoğlu Olcay , Sağlam İsmail K. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Ticks are crucial vectors of a wide range of pathogens, posing significant threats to human and animal health globally. Understanding the genetic basis of tick biology and host–parasite interactions is essential for developing effective control programs. This study investigates the fine-scale genetic structure of Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 1844, the primary vector of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Türkiye. Despite its significant public health importance, information regarding its population structure and genetic diversity is quite limited.

Methods
We used restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) to obtain genome-wide sequence data from 10 tick populations in Türkiye, collected from regions with low, moderate, and high incidence rates of CCHF. Based on these data, we determined population structure and diversity of populations using principal component analysis (PCA) and admixture analysis. Furthermore, we calculated pairwise FST and utilized discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) to understand genetic differentiation between populations.

Results
PCA and admixture analysis indicated minimal genetic structure between populations, but we detected notable genetic differentiation and high genetic diversity from regions with high CCHF rates. Furthermore, our DAPC identified 31 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with regions with high CCHF incidence, with 25 SNPs located near genes involved in critical biological functions such as nucleic acid binding, transmembrane transport, and proteolysis. These findings suggest that genetic variations in these regions may confer adaptive advantages in environments with high pathogen loads.

Conclusions
This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of H. marginatum genetic diversity in Türkiye, revealing significant differentiation in populations from CCHF-endemic regions. These results underscore the importance of considering fine-scale genetic diversity to fully understand the drivers of genetic variation in ticks and their implications for vectorial capacity.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of chronic exogenous oxytocin administration on exercise performance and cardiovagal control in hypobaric hypoxia in rats
Authors: Salazar-Ardiles Camila , Cornejo Carlos , Paz Cristobal , Vasquez-Muñoz Manuel , Arce-Alvarez Alexis , Rodriguez-Fernandez Maria , Millet Gregoire P. , Izquierdo Mikel , Andrade David C. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Outstanding exercise performance has been associated with an exacerbated vagal outflow. Nevertheless, during high-altitude hypobaric-hypoxia (HH), there is a baroreflex-dependent parasympathetic withdrawal and exercise performance deterioration. Notably, vagal control is pivotal in exercise performance, and exogenous oxytocin (OXY) administration has been shown to enhance parasympathetic drive; however, no evidence shows their role in exercise performance during HH. Then, this study aimed to examine the effect of prolonged exogenous oxytocin (OXY) administration on exercise performance during hypobaric hypoxia (HH) in rats.

Results
A vehicle group (n = 6) and an OXY group (n = 6) performed incremental exercise and baroreflex tests during both normobaric normoxia (NN) and HH (PO2: 100 mmHg, simulated 3,500 m) prior (pre-) and after (post-) 14 days of administration. The results showed that at pre-, there were no significant differences in exercise performance between the two groups, while at post-, the OXY group exhibited similar performance between NN and HH, while the Vehicle group maintained a significant decline in performance at HH compared to NN. At post-, the Vehicle group also demonstrated a reset in the baroreflex and a worse bradycardic response in HH, which was reversed in the OXY group, while the hypoxic ventilatory response was similar in both groups.

Conclusion
The findings suggest prolonged OXY administration prevents impaired exercise performance and vagal control during short-term HH.
Congenital rubella syndrome and its protean manifestation in Nigeria
Authors: Papka Nubwa Yusufu , Okoro Chinwe Chioma , Anani Esther , Raji Maryam Abdulrahman , Chinawa Josephat M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) arises from intrauterine infections with the rubella virus especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. It affects various systems resulting in disastrous outcomes.

Case presentation
We present four cases of congenital rubella syndrome each manifesting a constellation of clinical features, some of which are cross-cutting with the aim of raising awareness among clinicians who may be involved in its management.

Conclusion
Congenital rubella syndrome is a deleterious condition with protean manifestations as demonstrated by the series presented in this report. The burden of CRS in developing countries still exists and can be curbed via immunization programme, introduction and strengthening of surveillance programme.
Multidetector CT of the postoperative sigmoid colon and rectum: Imaging of common complications
Authors: Vassalou Evangelia E. , Perysinakis Iraklis , Michelakis Dimosthenis , Karantanas Apostolos H. , de Bree Eelco 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Colorectal surgery is associated with a high complication rate. Imaging has an essential role in the postoperative assessment of the colon and rectum, being able to delineate early and late complications. Multidetector CT is the first-line imaging modality for assessing complications in the early and late postoperative period.

Main body of the abstract
Familiarity with the surgical techniques, the incidence and appearance of common postoperative complications is essential for accurate characterization of the imaging features and prompt diagnosis. Herein, we describe the main surgical procedures related to the sigmoid colon and rectum and the imaging characteristics of the most common postoperative complications with emphasis on CT, together with brief clinical notes.

Short conclusion
Complications following colorectal surgery represent a major concern. Imaging plays a vital role in the assessment of the postsurgical sigmoid colon and rectum, with CT being the modality of choice in most of the cases. Knowledge of the imaging appearance of common complications, in conjunction with the surgical and clinical history, is essential for facilitating a prompt diagnosis and guide early management.
Race 1 of
Fusarium oxysporum
f. sp.
cubense
: the threat of banana cultivation in Central and Eastern Kenya
Authors: Malaka Samuel Musime , Thuranira David Mwongera , Mwangi Maina , Nchore Shem Bonuke , Lubabali Hudson Alumiro , Kuria Sylvia , Asava Kennedy Kagoni , Omari Daniel Omingo , Gichuru Elijah Kathurima , Alworah Getrude Okutoyi , Gathambiri Charity Wangari 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background

Fusarium wilt (Panama disease) caused by
Fusarium oxysporum
f. sp.
cubense
(Foc) is of economic importance in Kenya. The disease is widespread and currently causing havoc to bananas in the main growing regions of Eastern and Central Kenya. There is no information on the pathotypes associated with the spate of infections observed in these regions. This study was undertaken to identify the races of the pathogen involved and their pathogenicity on banana.

Methods

A total of 41 Foc isolates were collected from symptomatic banana plants in Central Kenya. The
Fusarium
strains isolated were identified based on morphological characteristics and screened using a PCR-based assay with race-specific primers for Foc races 1, 2, and 4. We further evaluated the pathogenicity of a subset of 24 isolates on the banana variety Gros Mitchel, a universally susceptible variety to Fusarium wilt. Conidia were harvested from 14-days-old Foc cultures grown on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and inoculated onto eight-weeks-old tissue-cultured banana seedlings by dipping the seedlings into the inoculum solution. Disease severity was assessed weekly by the extent of chlorosis and vascular discoloration and at the end of the experiment, 140 days post-inoculation, respectively. Root and shoot dry weights were collected at the end of the experiment. The experiment was undertaken using the randomized complete block design (RCBD) experimental design with four replicates and repeated twice. The collected data were subjected to ANOVA and area under disease progress stairs to determine the virulence of the isolates.

Results
Our results indicate that all the 24 isolates were pathogenic to Gross Mitchel to a varying extent and 29 isolates belonged to race 1 of the pathogen. Twelve isolates tested negative for race 1, race 2 and race 4.

Conclusions

The
Fusarium
isolates tested in this study belonged mainly to Foc race 1, except 12 isolates which tested negative using Foc specific primers. There is a need to investigate the isolates further, with VCGs and sequencing studies, as well as to characterize their virulence on the differential set of banana varieties.
Human cytomegalovirus: pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment
Authors: Shang Zifang , Li Xin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection remains a significant global health challenge, particularly for immunocompromised individuals and newborns. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on HCMV pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment strategies. We examine the molecular mechanisms of HCMV entry, focusing on the structure and function of key envelope glycoproteins (gB, gH/gL/gO, gH/gL/pUL128-131) and their interactions with cellular receptors such as PDGFRα, NRP2, and THBD. The review explores HCMV’s sophisticated immune evasion strategies, including interference with pattern recognition receptor signaling, modulation of antigen presentation, and regulation of NK and T cell responses. We highlight recent advancements in developing neutralizing antibodies, various vaccine strategies (live-attenuated, subunit, vector-based, DNA, and mRNA), antiviral compounds (both virus-targeted and host-targeted), and emerging cellular therapies such as TCR-T cell approaches. By integrating insights from structural biology, immunology, and clinical research, we identify critical knowledge gaps and propose future research directions. This analysis aims to stimulate cross-disciplinary collaborations and accelerate the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies for HCMV infections, addressing a significant unmet medical need.