bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An internet‐based platform with a low‐calorie dietary intervention improves cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese people in China: Half‐year follow‐up results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhong Yang , Wang Xi , Wang Suyuan , Zhong Linyu , Guo Yanhong , Zhang Chenghui , He Hua , Wu Yunhong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimTo explore the effectiveness of the Metawell programme on cardiometabolic risk factors in China, which combines meal replacement biscuits, a wireless scale, and a mobile phone application.MethodsIn this two‐arm, parallel‐design randomized study, 220 participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 110) and a control (n = 110) group. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to use meal replacement products and scales for weight loss and monitoring, whereas participants in the control group received printed materials containing a sample diet and face‐to‐face weight loss education at enrolment. The trial lasted 6 months, including a weight loss period in Months 1–3 and a weight maintenance period in Months 3–6. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare differences between the two groups.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) ages of the intervention and control groups were 32.00 (28.00, 39.00) years and 33.00 (28.25, 41.00) years, with body mass indices of 28.20 (26.30, 30.95) kg/m2 and 27.70 (26.02, 29.70) kg/m2, respectively. Participants in the intervention group experienced significantly greater decreases in waist circumference, hip circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol: high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Among participants who did not regain weight during the maintenance period after weight loss, the reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe Metawell programme of caloric restriction and remote monitoring can be adapted to overweight and obese people in China to reduce their cardiometabolic risk factors. Furthermore, there was a better improvement in blood pressure in participants who maintained the effects of weight loss.
Impact of a health literacy sensitive model of care in outpatient nephrology dietetic clinics
Authors: Lambert Kelly , Tulissio Nicola , Cosier Denelle 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundInadequate health literacy in people with chronic kidney disease is associated with poorer disease management and greater complications. Adherence to the renal diet is known to be suboptimal and patient feedback about the renal diet suggests that patients leave nephrology clinics feeling confused. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a health literacy sensitive model of care (MOC) in outpatient nephrology dietetic clinics.MethodsThis quasi‐experimental non‐randomised pre‐post study recruited adults attending three renal dietitian clinics. The revised MOC consisted of a renal diet question prompt sheet, teachback, and plain language materials and instructions. Outcomes assessed included clinical, dietary, patient‐reported satisfaction and quality of life. Differences between and within groups were analysed using paired t‐tests, independent sample t‐tests (or non‐parametric equivalent), chi‐squared and McNemar's tests. Linear mixed models evaluated change in total diet quality score, fruit, vegetable, protein and dairy intake with time as a fixed effect and a random subject specific effect.ResultsFail to attend rates at the initial appointments were lower in the revised MOC (21.5% vs. 9.1%). The revised MOC was associated with significantly improved fruit (p = 0.03) and vegetable (p = 0.003) intake and an improved proportion with adequate diet quality (p = 0.03). These impacts were of moderate effect size (d = 0.5, 95% confidence interval = 0.0–1.0). The revised MOC was also associated with greater satisfaction at baseline (p = 0.04) and higher acceptability scores for all questions at the review appointments. Quality of life improved clinically but not significantly in the revised MOC (p = 0.92).ConclusionsThis low‐cost health literacy sensitive intervention is a promising strategy to improve fruit and vegetable intake in adults attending renal dietitian clinics. Further research to determine fidelity of teachback use and cost utility analysis would be beneficial. Larger scale trials powered to detect changes in quality of life would also be informative.
Diurnal variation of serum phosphorus concentrations in intact male adult domestic cats
Authors: Chiang Chih‐Fan , Vanderstichel Raphael , Stockman Jonathan , Larsen Jennifer A. , Fascetti Andrea J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundMonitoring serum phosphorus concentrations is crucial in the management of chronic kidney disease in cats. The diurnal variation of serum phosphorus concentration may affect clinical assessment.Hypothesis/ObjectivesCharacterize the diurnal variation of serum phosphorus concentration in cats and determine the associations between changes in serum phosphorus concentration and several metabolites of phosphorus metabolism.AnimalsSix apparently healthy, intact male, specific‐pathogen‐free cats were housed in a photoperiod, humidity, and temperature‐controlled facility.MethodsBlood sampling was performed hourly for 24 hours to obtain the serum concentrations of phosphorus, ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone, and calcidiol. Results were analyzed using linear mixed‐effect models to determine the significance of diurnal variation and associations between serum phosphorus concentrations and other metabolites over time.ResultsDiurnal variation in serum phosphorus concentration was noted with an apex around 11:00 followed by gradually declining concentrations to reach the nadir around 23:00. The serum phosphorus concentration again increased through the early morning on the next day. An approximately 25% difference in serum phosphorus concentration at the apex and the nadir was documented. A non‐linear relationship between the serum concentrations of phosphorus and ionized calcium over time was identified.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDiurnal variations of serum phosphorus concentration and associations between the trending of serum phosphorus and ionized calcium concentrations were evident in a group of clinically healthy adult cats housed in a controlled environment. These findings can help in the interpretation of clinical and research data regarding calcium and phosphorus metabolism and kidney health in cats.
Longitudinal assessment of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Seo Joonbum , Novo Matos José , Munday John S. , Hunt Hayley , Connolly David J. , Luis Fuentes Virginia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe proportion of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) that lose systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) in the long term is unknown.Hypothesis/ObjectivesCats with HCM will lose SAM in the long term. Loss of SAM will be associated with greater age, longer scan‐interval, and altered left ventricular (LV) dimensions.AnimalsSixty unsedated cats with HCM, not receiving beta blockers or pimobendan.MethodsA retrospective cohort study from 2 referral centers. Cats were eligible if they had been diagnosed with HCM and had a repeat echocardiogram ≥1 year later. Clinical and echocardiographic data of the left heart variables were collected.ResultsThirty‐eight cats had SAM at the initial scan. After a median follow‐up time of 2.1 years (range: 1.0‐5.9), 7 cats had lost SAM (18%) and 5 cats (23%) gained SAM. On follow‐up, cats with SAM at the initial scan had a larger left atrium (P = .037), lower left atrial fractional shortening (P = .014), greater LV internal diameter in end‐systole (P = .002), and lower LV fractional shortening (P < .001). Four cats with SAM developed congestive heart failure. There were no new cases of congestive heart failure or change in left heart variables in cats without SAM at the initial scan. The gain or loss of SAM was not associated with age or time between scans.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSimilar proportions of cats gained or lost SAM. Cats with SAM at baseline had more evidence of disease progression than cats without SAM.
Abundance of two Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) populations inhabiting adjacent areas in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Rafael R. , Quintana Carlos Eduardo P. , dos Santos Carlos Vinícius C. , Santos‐Neto Elitieri B. , Bittencourt Lis , Pereira Karina S. , Bisi Tatiana L. , Kajin Maja , Lailson‐Brito José , Azevedo Alexandre F. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGuiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) are commonly found in shallow waters from South and Central America. From March 2018 to June 2019, boat surveys were conducted to monitor two populations inhabiting the adjacent waters of Ilha Grande Bay and Sepetiba Bay to estimate population abundances and population parameters of apparent survival and capture probability. Photo‐identification was used as a mark‐recapture technique. A total of 672 dolphins was cataloged in Ilha Grande Bay and 826 in Sepetiba Bay, with two individuals being photographed in both areas. Population parameters were estimated through mark‐recapture models and total population abundance was estimated at 1,949 and 1,560 individuals in Ilha Grande Bay and Sepetiba Bay, respectively. Seasonal estimates were modeled showing that the Sepetiba Bay population may have stronger site fidelity to the study area than individuals in Ilha Grande Bay. Apparent survival was estimated in a mixed model framework avoiding bias due to the large presence of transient individuals. The estimates presented here are a result of an effort conducted months after an unusual mortality event linked to Guiana dolphin cetacean morbillivirus and our findings indicated that surviving individuals did not have long‐term deadly effects, but continuous efforts should be considered for a long‐term evaluation.
Pulse oximetry for the prediction of acute mountain sickness: A systematic review
Authors: Goves Johnathan S. L. , Joyce Kelsey E. , Broughton Sophie , Greig Julian , Ashdown Kimberly , Bradwell Arthur R. , Lucas Samuel J. E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAcute mountain sickness (AMS) causes serious illness for many individuals ascending to high altitude (HA), although preventable with appropriate acclimatisation. AMS is a clinical diagnosis, with symptom severity evaluated using the Lake Louise Score (LLS). Reliable methods of predicting which individuals will develop AMS have not been developed. This systematic review evaluates whether a predictive relationship exists between oxygen saturation and subsequent development of AMS. PubMed, PubMed Central, MEDLINE, Semantic Scholar, Cochrane Library, University of Birmingham Library and clinicaltrials.gov databases were systematically searched from inception to 15 June 2023. Human studies involving collection of peripheral blood oxygen saturation () from healthy lowlanders during ascent to HA that evaluated any relationship between and AMS severity were considered for eligibility. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Tool for cohort studies (PROPSPERO CRD42023423542). Seven of 980 total identified studies were ultimately included for data extraction. These studies evaluated and AMS (via LLS) in 1406 individuals during ascent to HA (3952–6300 m). Risk of bias was ‘low’ for six and ‘moderate’ for one of the included studies. Ascent profiles and measurement methodology varied widely, as did the statistical methods for AMS prediction. Decreasing oxygen saturation measured with pulse oximetry during ascent shows a positive predictive relationship for individuals who develop AMS. Studies have high heterogeneity in ascent profile and oximetry measurement protocols. Further studies with homogeneous methodology are required to enable statistical analysis for more definitive evaluation of AMS predictability by pulse oximetry.
Tracking of Bristle Tip Deflections to Demonstrate Blow-Down in Brush Seals
Authors: Bowen Joshua P. , Bowsher Aaron A. , Crudgington Peter F. , Bull Sam , Sangan Carl M. , Scobie James A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Sealing in gas turbines is paramount to overall performance and efficiency. Brush seals offer superior performance compared to other sealing solutions commonplace in modern turbomachinery. When subjected to a pressure load, a ring of flexible fine wire bristles—fitted at a lay angle to the radial plane—compact to resist the oncoming flow and deflect towards the rotor in a process known as blow-down. This study employs Digital Image Correlation (DIC) to track individual bristle tips in three spatial axes throughout a large-scale brush seal test facility. This is the first-time direct measurements of blow-down throughout the bristle pack have been presented, providing a unique insight into the mechanical behavior of brush seals. Increased magnitudes of blow-down and axial bristle deflection were demonstrated in upstream bristle rows and at larger clearances. Analysis of these results in conjunction with the interrogation of the inter-bristle pressure field proved that blow-down is more prevalent for pressure relieving (PR) brush seals in comparison to conventional configurations. The reduction in the through-flow clearance area resulted in a significant enhancement in sealing performance for a clearance seal, highlighting a key advantage of the pressure relieving back plate design.
An arylsulfonamide that targets cell wall biosynthesis in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Allen Renee , Ames Lauren , Baldin Vanessa Pietrowski , Butts Arielle , Henry Kenneth J. , Durst Greg , Quach Diana , Sugie Joseph , Pogliano Joe , Parish Tanya 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

We investigated the mechanism of action of an arylsulfonamide with whole-cell activity against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. We newly synthesized the molecule and confirmed it had activity against both extracellular and intracellular bacilli. The molecule had some activity against HepG2 cells but maintained some selectivity. Bacterial cytological profiling suggested that the mechanism of action was via disruption of cell wall synthesis, with similarities to an inhibitor of the mycolic acid exporter MmpL3. The compound induced expression from the IniB promoter and caused a boost in ATP production but did not induce reactive oxygen species. A mutation in MmpL3 (S591I) led to low-level resistance. Taken together, these data confirm the molecule targets cell wall biosynthesis with MmpL3 as the most probable target.
Orientia tsutsugamushi
infection reduces host gluconeogenic but not glycolytic substrates
Authors: Sanchez Savannah E. , Chiarelli Travis J. , Park Margaret A. , Carlyon Jason A. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Orientia tsutsugamushi
a causal agent of scrub typhus, is an obligate intracellular bacterium that, akin to other rickettsiae, is dependent on host cell-derived nutrients for survival and thus pathogenesis. Based on limited experimental evidence and genome-based
in silico
predictions,
O. tsutsugamushi
is hypothesized to parasitize host central carbon metabolism (CCM). Here, we (re-)evaluated
O. tsutsugamushi
dependency on host cell CCM as initiated by glucose and glutamine.
Orientia
infection had no effect on host glucose and glutamine consumption or lactate accumulation, indicating no change in overall flux through CCM. However, host cell mitochondrial activity and ATP levels were reduced during infection and correspond with lower intracellular glutamine and glutamate pools. To further probe the essentiality of host CCM in
O. tsutsugamushi
proliferation, we developed a minimal medium for host cell cultivation and paired it with chemical inhibitors to restrict the intermediates and processes related to glucose and glutamine metabolism. These conditions failed to negatively impact
O. tsutsugamushi
intracellular growth, suggesting the bacterium is adept at scavenging from host CCM. Accordingly, untargeted metabolomics was utilized to evaluate minor changes in host CCM metabolic intermediates across
O. tsutsugamushi
infection and revealed that pathogen proliferation corresponds with reductions in critical CCM building blocks, including amino acids and TCA cycle intermediates, as well as increases in lipid catabolism. This study directly correlates
O. tsutsugamushi
proliferation to alterations in host CCM and identifies metabolic intermediates that are likely critical for pathogen fitness.

IMPORTANCE

Obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved strategies to reside and proliferate within the eukaryotic intracellular environment. At the crux of this parasitism is the balance between host and pathogen metabolic requirements. The physiological basis driving
O. tsutsugamushi
dependency on its mammalian host remains undefined. By evaluating alterations in host metabolism during
O. tsutsugamushi
proliferation, we discovered that bacterial growth is independent of the host’s nutritional environment but appears dependent on host gluconeogenic substrates, including amino acids. Given that
O. tsutsugamushi
replication is essential for its virulence, this study provides experimental evidence for the first time in the post-genomic era of metabolic intermediates potentially parasitized by a scrub typhus agent.
A multicenter evaluation of a novel microfluidic rapid AST assay for Gram-negative bloodstream infections
Authors: Berinson Benjamin , Davies Emma , Torpner Jessie , Flinkfeldt Linnea , Fernberg Jenny , Åman Amanda , Bergqvist Johan , Öhrn Håkan , Ångström Jonas , Johansson Cecilia , Jäder Klara , Andersson Helena , Ghaderi Ehsan , Rolf Maria , Sundqvist Martin , Rohde Holger , Fernandez-Zafra Teresa , Malmberg Christer 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Common phenotypic methods for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of bacteria are slow, labor intensive, and display considerable technical variability. The QuickMIC system provides rapid AST using a microfluidic linear gradient. Here, we evaluate the performance of QuickMIC at four different laboratories with regard to speed, precision, accuracy, and reproducibility in comparison to broth microdilution (BMD). Spiked (
n
= 411) and clinical blood cultures (
n
= 148) were tested with the QuickMIC Gram-negative panel and compared with BMD for the 12 on-panel antibiotics, and 10 defined strains were run at each site to measure reproducibility. Logistic and linear regression analysis was applied to explore factors affecting assay performance. The overall essential agreement and categorical agreement between QuickMIC and BMD were 95.6% and 96.0%, respectively. Very major error, major error, and minor error rates were 1.0%, 0.6%, and 2.4%, respectively. Inter-laboratory reproducibility between the sites was high at 98.9% using the acceptable standard of ±1 twofold dilution. The mean in-instrument analysis time overall was 3 h 13 min (SD: 29 min). Regression analysis indicated that QuickMIC is robust with regard to initial inoculum and delay time after blood culture positivity. We conclude that QuickMIC can be used to rapidly measure MIC directly from blood cultures in clinical settings with high reproducibility, precision, and accuracy. The microfluidics-generated linear gradient ensures high reproducibility between laboratories, thus allowing a high level of trust in MIC values from single testing, at the cost of reduced measurement range compared to BMD.

IMPORTANCE
Increasing antimicrobial resistance underscores the need for new diagnostic solutions to guide therapy, but traditional antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is often inadequate in time-critical diseases such as sepsis. This work presents a novel and rapid AST system with a rapid turnaround of results, which may help reduce the time to guided therapy, possibly allowing early de-escalation of broad-spectrum empirical therapy as well as rapid adjustments to treatments when coverage is lacking.
Headless hemagglutinin-containing influenza viral particles direct immune responses toward more conserved epitopes
Authors: Hamele Cait E. , Luo Zhaochen , Leonard Rebecca A. , Spurrier M. Ariel , Burke Kaitlyn N. , Webb Stacy R. , Rountree Wes , Li Zongli , Heaton Brook E. , Heaton Nicholas S. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Seasonal influenza vaccines provide mostly strain-specific protection due to the elicitation of antibody responses focused on evolutionarily plastic antigenic sites in the hemagglutinin head domain. To direct the humoral response toward more conserved epitopes, we generated an influenza virus particle where the full-length hemagglutinin protein was replaced with a membrane-anchored, “headless” variant while retaining the normal complement of other viral structural proteins such as the neuraminidase as well as viral RNAs. We found that a single administration of a headless virus particle-based vaccine elicited high titers of antibodies that recognized more conserved epitopes on the major viral glycoproteins. Furthermore, the vaccine could elicit these responses even in the presence of pre-existing, hemagglutinin (HA) head-focused influenza immunity. Importantly, these antibody responses mediated protective, but non-neutralizing functions such as neuraminidase inhibition and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Additionally, we show the vaccine can provide protection from homologous and heterologous challenges in mouse models of severe influenza without any measurable HA head-directed antibody responses. Thus, headless hemagglutinin containing viral particles may represent a tool to drive the types of antibody responses predicted to increase influenza vaccine breadth and durability.

IMPORTANCE
Current seasonal influenza vaccines provide incomplete protection from disease. This is partially the result of the antibody response being directed toward parts of the virus that are tolerant of mutations. Redirecting the immune response to more conserved regions of the virus has been a central strategy of next-generation vaccine designs and approaches. Here, we develop and test a vaccine based on a modified influenza virus particle that expresses a partially deleted hemagglutinin protein along with the other viral structural proteins. We demonstrate this vaccine elicits antibodies that recognize the more conserved viral epitopes of the hemagglutinin stalk and neuraminidase protein to facilitate protection against influenza viruses despite a lack of classical viral neutralization activity.
Transition metals and oxidation reactions trigger stargate opening during the initial stages of the replicative cycle of the giant Tupanvirus
Authors: Cortines Juliana R. , Bridges Charles M. , Subramanian Sundharraman , Schrad Jason R. , Araújo Glauber R. S. , Nunes Gabriel Henrique Pereira , Oliveira Juliana dos Santos , Essus Victor Alejandro , Abrahão Jônatas S. , White Simon , Parent Kristin N. , Teschke Carolyn 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Tupanviruses, members of the family
Mimiviridae
, infect phagocytic cells. Particle uncoating begins inside the phagosome, with capsid opening via the stargate. The mechanism through which this opening takes place is unknown. Once phagocytized, metal ion flux control and ROS are induced to inactivate foreign particles, including viruses. Here, we studied the effect of iron ions, copper ions, and H
2
O
2
on Tupanvirus particles. Such treatments induced stargate opening
in vitro
, as observed by different microscopy techniques. Metal-treated viruses were found to be non-infectious, leading to the hypothesis that stargate opening likely resulted in the release of the viral seed, which is required for infection initiation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a giant virus capsid morphological change induced by transition metals and H
2
O
2
, which may be important to describe new virulence factors and capsid uncoating mechanisms.