bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain 3T magnetic resonance imaging in neonates: features and incidental findings from a research cohort enriched for preterm birth
Authors: Sullivan Gemma , Quigley Alan J , Choi Samantha , Teed Rory , Blesa Cabez Manuel , Vaher Kadi , Corrigan Amy , Stoye David Q , Thrippleton Michael J , Bastin Mark , Boardman James P 
Published: July 2024

Background and objectivesThe survival rate and patterns of brain injury after very preterm birth are evolving with changes in clinical practices. Additionally, incidental findings can present legal, ethical and practical considerations. Here, we report MRI features and incidental findings from a large, contemporary research cohort of very preterm infants and term controls.Methods288 infants had 3T MRI at term-equivalent age: 187 infants born <32 weeks without major parenchymal lesions, and 101 term-born controls. T1-weighted, T2-weighted and susceptibility-weighted imaging were used to classify white and grey matter injury according to a structured system, and incidental findings described.ResultsPreterm infants: 34 (18%) had white matter injury and 4 (2%) had grey matter injury. 51 (27%) infants had evidence of intracranial haemorrhage and 34 (18%) had punctate white matter lesions (PWMLs). Incidental findings were detected in 12 (6%) preterm infants.Term infants: no term infants had white or grey matter injury. Incidental findings were detected in 35 (35%); these included intracranial haemorrhage in 22 (22%), periventricular pseudocysts in 5 (5%) and PWMLs in 4 (4%) infants. From the whole cohort, 10 (3%) infants required referral to specialist services.ConclusionsOne-fifth of very preterm infants without major parenchymal lesions have white or grey matter abnormalities at term-equivalent age. Incidental findings are seen in 6% of preterm and 35% of term infants. Overall, 3% of infants undergoing MRI for research require follow-up due to incidental findings. These data should help inform consent procedures for research and assist service planning for centres using 3T neonatal brain MRI for clinical purposes.
Multiple indicators of gut dysbiosis predict all-cause and cause-specific mortality in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Swarte J Casper , Zhang Shuyan , Nieuwenhuis Lianne M , Gacesa Ranko , Knobbe Tim J ,   TransplantLines Investigators, De Meijer Vincent E , Damman Kevin , Verschuuren Erik A M , Gan Tji C , Fu Jingyuan , Zhernakova Alexandra , Harmsen Hermie J M , Blokzijl Hans , Bakker Stephan J L , Björk Johannes R , Weersma Rinse K 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveGut microbiome composition is associated with multiple diseases, but relatively little is known about its relationship with long-term outcome measures. While gut dysbiosis has been linked to mortality risk in the general population, the relationship with overall survival in specific diseases has not been extensively studied. In the current study, we present results from an in-depth analysis of the relationship between gut dysbiosis and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the setting of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR).DesignWe analysed 1337 metagenomes derived from faecal samples of 766 kidney, 334 liver, 170 lung and 67 heart transplant recipients part of the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort—a prospective cohort study including extensive phenotype data with 6.5 years of follow-up. To analyze gut dysbiosis, we included an additional 8208 metagenomes from the general population of the same geographical area (northern Netherlands). Multivariable Cox regression and a machine learning algorithm were used to analyse the association between multiple indicators of gut dysbiosis, including individual species abundances, and all-cause and cause-specific mortality.ResultsWe identified two patterns representing overall microbiome community variation that were associated with both all-cause and cause-specific mortality. The gut microbiome distance between each transplantation recipient to the average of the general population was associated with all-cause mortality and death from infection, malignancy and cardiovascular disease. A multivariable Cox regression on individual species abundances identified 23 bacterial species that were associated with all-cause mortality, and by applying a machine learning algorithm, we identified a balance (a type of log-ratio) consisting of 19 out of the 23 species that were associated with all-cause mortality.ConclusionGut dysbiosis is consistently associated with mortality in SOTR. Our results support the observations that gut dysbiosis is associated with long-term survival. Since our data do not allow us to infer causality, more preclinical research is needed to understand mechanisms before we can determine whether gut microbiome-directed therapies may be designed to improve long-term outcomes.
Integrated metagenomic and metabolomic analysis reveals distinctive stage-specific gut-microbiome-derived metabolites in intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Sun Haitao , Sun Kaijian , Tian Hao , Chen Xiheng , Su Shixing , Tu Yi , Chen Shilan , Wang Jiaxuan , Peng Meichang , Zeng Meiqin , Li Xin , Luo Yunhao , Xie Yugu , Feng Xin , Li Zhuang , Zhang Xin , Li Xifeng , Liu Yanchao , Ye Wei , Chen Zhengrui , Zhu Zhaohua , Li Youxiang , Xia Fangbo , Zhou Hongwei , Duan Chuanzhi 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveOur study aimed to explore the influence of gut microbiota and their metabolites on intracranial aneurysms (IA) progression and pinpoint-related metabolic biomarkers derived from the gut microbiome.DesignWe recruited 358 patients with unruptured IA (UIA) and 161 with ruptured IA (RIA) from two distinct geographical regions for conducting an integrated analysis of plasma metabolomics and faecal metagenomics. Machine learning algorithms were employed to develop a classifier model, subsequently validated in an independent cohort. Mouse models of IA were established to verify the potential role of the specific metabolite identified.ResultsDistinct shifts in taxonomic and functional profiles of gut microbiota and their related metabolites were observed in different IA stages. Notably, tryptophan metabolites, particularly indoxyl sulfate (IS), were significantly higher in plasma of RIA. Meanwhile, upregulated tryptophanase expression and indole-producing microbiota were observed in gut microbiome of RIA. A model harnessing gut-microbiome-derived tryptophan metabolites demonstrated remarkable efficacy in distinguishing RIA from UIA patients in the validation cohort (AUC=0.97). Gut microbiota depletion by antibiotics decreased plasma IS concentration, reduced IA formation and rupture in mice, and downregulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in aneurysmal walls with elastin degradation reduction. Supplement of IS reversed the effect of gut microbiota depletion.ConclusionOur investigation highlights the potential of gut-microbiome-derived tryptophan metabolites as biomarkers for distinguishing RIA from UIA patients. The findings suggest a novel pathogenic role for gut-microbiome-derived IS in elastin degradation in the IA wall leading to the rupture of IA.
Arterial aneurysm and dissection: toward the evolving phenotype of Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome
Authors: Totten Vicken , Teixido-Tura Gisela , Lopez-Grondona Fermina , Fernandez-Alvarez Paula , Lasa-Aranzasti Amaia , Muñoz-Cabello Patricia , Kosaki Rika , Tizzano Eduardo F , Dewals Wendy , Borràs Emma , Cañas Elena Gonzalez , Almoguera Berta , Loeys Bart , Valenzuena Irene 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundTatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome (TBRS) is a rare disorder, caused byDNMT3Aheterozygous pathogenic variants, and first described in 2014. TBRS is characterised by overgrowth, intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism, hypotonia and musculoskeletal features, as well as neurological and psychiatric features. Cardiac manifestations have also been reported, mainly congenital malformations such as atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect and cardiac valvular disease. Aortic dilatation has rarely been described.MethodsHere we have undertaken a detailed clinical and molecular description of eight previously unreported individuals, who had TBRS and arterial dilatation and/or dissection, mainly thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). We have also reviewed the seven previously published cases of TAA in individuals with TBRS to try to better delineate the vascular phenotype and to determine specific follow-up for this condition.ResultsWe include eight new patients with TBRS who presented with arterial aneurysms mainly involving aorta. Three of these patients presented with dissection that required critical surgery.ConclusionsArterial aneurysms and dissections are a potentially lethal, age-dependent manifestation. The prevalence of aortic disease in individuals with TBRS is far in excess of that expected in the general population. This cohort, together with individuals previously published, illustrates the importance to consider dilatation/dissection, mainly in aorta but also in other arteries. Arterial vascular weakness may therefore also be a cardinal feature of TBRS and vascular surveillance is recommended.
Pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis: genetic, environmental and random mechanisms
Authors: Goodin Douglas S 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) requires both genetic factors and environmental events. The question remains, however, whether these factors and events completely describe the MS disease process. This question was addressed using the Canadian MS data, which includes 29 478 individuals, estimated to represent 65–83% of all Canadian patients with MS.MethodThe ‘genetically-susceptible’ subset of the population, (G), includes everyone who has any non-zero life-time chance of developing MS, under some environmental conditions. A ‘sufficient’ environmental exposure, for any genetically-susceptible individual, includes every set of environmental conditions, each of which is ‘sufficient’, by itself, tocauseMS in that person. This analysis incorporates many epidemiological parameters, involved in MS pathogenesis, only some of which are directly observable, and establishes ‘plausible’ value ranges for each parameter. Those parameter value combinations (ie, solutions) that fall within these plausible ranges are then determined.ResultsOnly a small proportion of the population (≤52%) has any possibility of developing MS, regardless of any environmental conditions that they could experience. Moreover, some of these genetically-susceptible individuals, despite their experiencing a ‘sufficient’ environmental exposure, will still not develop disease.ConclusionsThis analysis explicitly includes all of those genetic factors and environmental events (including their interactions), which are necessary for MS pathogenesis, regardless of whether these factors, events and interactions are known, suspected or as yet unrecognised. Nevertheless, in addition, a ‘truly’ random mechanism also seems to play a critical role in disease pathogenesis. This observation provides empirical evidence, which undermines the widely-held deterministic view of nature. Moreover, both sexes seem to share a similar genetic and environmental disease basis. If so, then it is this random mechanism, which is primarily responsible for the currently-observed differences in MS disease expression betweensusceptible womenandsusceptible men.
Awareness of chronic hepatitis B and C in men who have sex with men in Belgium: epidemiological survey and on-site screening
Authors: Coessens Marie , Schouten Jeoffrey , Holvoet Tom , Verlinden Wim 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesTo eliminate hepatitis B and C virus (HBV/HCV) as a public health threat by 2030, the WHO focuses on screening key populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM).This study aims to assess HBV and HCV knowledge and awareness and HCV prevalence in MSM in Belgium.MethodsFirst, a questionnaire was designed to assess MSM's knowledge of HBV and HCV infection (disease process, vaccination, treatment and transmission routes). This questionnaire was conducted online, and by means of a tablet-based face-to-face questionnaire at the Antwerp and Belgian Pride. Second, HCV and HIV prevalence data were collected during outreach projects and office screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) organised by Sensoa and Exaequo, a Flemish and Walloon sexual health organisation.Results300 MSM completed the questionnaire (median age 36 years; 7.7% HIV+). Mean overall survey scores were low (HBV: 41.1%; HCV: 39.8%). Few participants identified all transmission routes correctly (HBV: 15%; HCV 1%).The degree of education was significantly correlated with HBV knowledge and showed a trend towards correlation with HCV knowledge. HCV knowledge was significantly correlated with high-risk sexual behaviour.The prevalence of HCV and HIV was 0.3% and 1.0%, respectively, in MSM attending commercial gay venues and 0% and 1.9% in MSM attending office STI screening.ConclusionsKnowledge of HBV and HCV infection in MSM is poor. More awareness campaigns are needed, focusing on frequent HCV risk factors (group sex, chemsex, receptive fisting, and sharing of anal toys and anal douching devices), especially targeting low-educated MSM. HBV vaccination of MSM requires continued attention.The prevalence of HCV and HIV was remarkably low in commercial gay venues and may be higher in older MSM or in subcultures where risk factors coexist (eg, chemsex). The cost-effectiveness of internet-based approaches with subsequent at-home testing needs to be evaluated in the future.
Comparison of shipping versus immediate freezer storage of vaginal samples for vaginal microbiota assessment
Authors: Tuddenham Susan , Gajer Pawel , Holm Johanna B , Brown Sarah Elizabeth , Forney Larry , Ravel Jacques , Ghanem Khalil G , Brotman Rebecca M 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesWe evaluated how storing vaginal samples at room temperature in stabilising solutions versus immediate freezing affects 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing-based microbiota studies, aiming to simplify home and field collection.MethodsTwenty participants self-collected six mid-vaginal swabs that were stored in two nucleic acid preservatives (three in modified Solution C2 (Qiagen) and three in Amies/RNALater (Sigma)) in January-February 2016. From each set, two were immediately frozen (−80°C) and one was shipped to the University of Idaho (Moscow, Idaho) with return shipping to the Institute for Genome Sciences (Baltimore, Maryland). Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to characterise the vaginal microbiota, VALENCIA was used to assign community state types (CSTs), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) of 16S rRNA genes was used to estimate bacterial abundance. Cohen’s Kappa statistic was used to assess within-participant agreement. Bayesian difference of means models assessed within-participant comparisons between shipped and immediately frozen samples.ResultsThere were 115 samples available for analysis. Average duration of transit for shipped samples was 8 days (SD: 1.60, range: 6–11). Within-participant comparisons of CSTs between shipped and immediately frozen samples revealed complete concordance (kappa: 1.0) for both preservative solutions. No significant differences comparing shipped and immediately frozen samples were found with taxon-level comparisons or bacterial abundances based on pan-bacterial qPCR.ConclusionsShort-term room temperature shipping of vaginal swabs placed in stabilising solutions did not affect vaginal microbiota composition. Home collection with mail-in of vaginal samples may be a reasonable approach for research and clinical purposes to assess the vaginal microbiota.
Gravitons in a gravitational plane wave
Authors: Álvarez Enrique , Anero Jesús , Sánchez-Ruiz Irene 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGravitational plane waves (when Ricci flat) belong to the VSI family. The achronym VSI stands for vanishing scalar invariants, meaning that all scalar invariants built out of Riemann tensor and its derivatives vanish, although the Riemann tensor itself does not. In the particular case of plane waves many interesting phenomena have been uncovered for strings propagating in this background. Here we comment on gravitons propagating in such a spacetime.
Impact of particle creation in Rastall gravity
Authors: Bishi B. K. , Lepse P. V. , Beesham A. 
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we investigate the Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker cosmological models within the framework of Rastall gravity incorporating particle creation. The modified field equations for Rastall gravity are derived and exact solutions are obtained under various assumptions of the scale factor. The qualitative behavior of our solutions depends on the Rastall coupling parameter [Formula: see text]. Following Akarsu et al. [Ö. Akarsu et al., Rastall gravity extension of the standard [Formula: see text] CDM model: Theoretical features and observational constraints, Eur. Phys. J. C 80 (2020) 1050], we have restricted the Rastall coupling parameter [Formula: see text] to the range [Formula: see text] at 68% CL from CMB+BAO data. Further, we have discussed the distinct physical behavior of the derived models in detail.
The Worries of Out‐of‐Home Activities in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Survey Study During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Fei Yun-Hui , Zhang Meng-Hui , Zhang Min-Na , Shen Zhao , Wang Hong-Gang 
Published: July 2024

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often experience worries related to travel due to frequent bowel movements. However, there is currently limited research focusing on the travel worries of patients with IBD. The aim of this study was to assess the level of worry regarding out‐of‐home activities in patients with IBD and identify factors associated with worry.Methods: This study included patients with IBD who visited the outpatient clinics between September 2020 and March 2022, during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants completed a self‐designed questionnaire, providing general clinical data and indicating their level of worry for out‐of‐home activities.Results: A total of 529 patients with IBD completed the questionnaire. Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) had a higher proportion of individuals under 40 years old and males compared to patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Regarding out‐of‐home activities, patients with UC expressed greater worry about going out and taking buses than patients with CD. However, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of travel worries and worries about finding public washrooms. A significant majority (85.4%) of patients with clinically active IBD expressed worries about not finding public washrooms when going out, while 46.7% of patients in clinical remission had similar worries. Moreover, the worry about finding public washrooms was higher in patients with UC compared to those with CD, both during the clinical activity and remission.Conclusion: This survey conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic reported worries among patients with IBD about out‐of‐home activities. The patients with clinically active IBD, especially UC, expressed worries about not finding public washrooms when going out. We highlight the actual psychological and quality of life challenges faced by patients with IBD.
Cardiomyocyte PANX1 Controls Glycolysis and Neutrophil Recruitment in Hypertrophy
Authors: Pavelec Caitlin M. , Young Alexander P. , Luviano Hannah L. , Orrell Emily E. , Szagdaj Anna , Poudel Nabin , Wolpe Abigail G. , Thomas Samantha H. , Yeudall Scott , Upchurch Clint M. , Okusa Mark D. , Isakson Brant E. , Wolf Matthew J. , Leitinger Norbert 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
PANX1 (pannexin 1), a ubiquitously expressed ATP release membrane channel, has been shown to play a role in inflammation, blood pressure regulation, and myocardial infarction. However, the possible role of PANX1 in cardiomyocytes in the progression of heart failure has not yet been investigated.

METHOD:

We generated a novel mouse line with constitutive deletion of PANX1 in cardiomyocytes (Panx1
MyHC6
).

RESULTS:

PANX1 deletion in cardiomyocytes had no effect on unstressed heart function but increased the glycolytic metabolism and resulting glycolytic ATP production, with a concurrent decrease in oxidative phosphorylation, both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, treatment of H9c2 (H9c2 rat myoblast cell line) cardiomyocytes with isoproterenol led to PANX1-dependent release of ATP and Yo-Pro-1 uptake, as assessed by pharmacological blockade with spironolactone and siRNA-mediated knockdown of PANX1. To investigate nonischemic heart failure and the preceding cardiac hypertrophy, we administered isoproterenol, and we demonstrated that Panx1
MyHC6
mice were protected from systolic and diastolic left ventricle volume increases as a result of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Moreover, we found that Panx1
MyHC6
mice showed decreased isoproterenol-induced recruitment of immune cells (CD45
+
), particularly neutrophils (CD11b
+
[integrin subunit alpha M], Ly6g
+
[lymphocyte antigen 6 family member G]), to the myocardium.

CONCLUSIONS:
Together, these data demonstrate that PANX1 deficiency in cardiomyocytes increases glycolytic metabolism and protects against cardiac hypertrophy in nonischemic heart failure at least in part by reducing immune cell recruitment. Our study implies PANX1 channel inhibition as a therapeutic approach to ameliorate cardiac dysfunction in patients with heart failure.
Retrospective Cohort Study of Additional Procedures and Transplant‐Free Survival for Patients With Functionally Single Ventricle Disease Undergoing Staged Palliation in England and Wales
Authors: Huang Qi , Ridout Deborah , Tsang Victor , Drury Nigel E. , Jones Timothy J. , Bellsham‐Revell Hannah , Hadjicosta Elena , Seale Anna N. , Mehta Chetan , Pagel Christina , Crowe Sonya , Espuny‐Pujol Ferran , Franklin Rodney C. G. , Brown Katherine L. 
Published: July 2024

Background
Reinterventions may influence the outcomes of children with functionally single‐ventricle (f‐SV) congenital heart disease.

Methods and Results

We undertook a retrospective cohort study of children starting treatment for f‐SV between 2000 and 2018 in England, using the national procedure registry. Patients were categorized based on whether they survived free of transplant beyond 1 year of age. Among patients who had transplant‐free survival beyond 1 year of age, we explored the relationship between reinterventions in infancy and the outcomes of survival and Fontan completion, adjusting for complexity. Of 3307 patients with f‐SV, 909 (27.5%), had no follow‐up beyond 1 year of age, among whom 323 (35.3%) had ≥1 reinterventions in infancy. A total of 2398 (72.5%) patients with f‐SV had transplant‐free survival beyond 1 year of age, among whom 756 (31.5%) had ≥1 reinterventions in infancy. The 5‐year transplant‐free survival and cumulative incidence of Fontan, among those who survived infancy, were 93.4% (95% CI, 92.4%–94.4%) and 79.3% (95% CI, 77.4%–81.2%), respectively. Both survival and Fontan completion were similar for those with a single reintervention and those who had no reinterventions. Patients who had >1 additional surgery (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.93 [95% CI, 1.87–8.27]
P
<0.001) had higher adjusted risk of mortality. Patients who had >1 additional interventional catheter (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.52–0.96]
P
=0.03) had a lower likelihood of achieving Fontan.

Conclusions
Among children with f‐SV, the occurrence of >1 reintervention in the first year of life, especially surgical reinterventions, was associated with poorer prognosis later in childhood.