bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRI-T2 Relaxometry is Increased in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Indications of Acute Brain Abnormalities after Injury
Authors: Bedggood Mayan J. , Essex Christi A. , Theadom Alice , Murray Helen , Hume Patria , Holdsworth Samantha J. , Faull Richard L.M. , Pedersen Mangor 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common condition, particularly pervasive in contact sports environments. A range of symptoms can accompany this type of injury and negatively impact people’s lives. As mTBI diagnosis and recovery largely rely on subjective reports, more objective injury markers are needed.MethodsThe current study compared structural brain MRI-T2 relaxometry between a group of 40 male athletes with mTBI within 14 days of injury and 40 age-matched male controls.ResultsVoxel-averaged T2 relaxometry within the grey matter was increased for the mTBI group compared to controls (p< 0.001), with statistically increased T2 relaxometry particularly in superior cortical regions.ConclusionOur findings indicate subtle brain abnormalities can be identified in acute mTBI using MRI-T2 relaxometry. These brain abnormalities may reflect inflammation present in the brain and could constitute an objective injury marker to supplement current subjective methods that dominate clinical decisions regarding diagnosis and prognosis. Future research should validate this potential marker with other data types, such as blood biomarkers or histological samples.Significance StatementCurrent understandings of brain pathology underlying mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has many gaps and recovery is variable and largely based on subjective reports. Objective markers of injury are required to enhance diagnostic and prognostic capabilities and improve recovery trajectories. Our findings suggest that quantitative MRI-T2 relaxometry times are increased acutely following mTBI compared to controls, possibly indicative of neuroinflammatory processes post-injury. MRI-T2 relaxometry could represent an objective injury marker acutely following mTBI and be utilized to supplement clinical decision making. Insight into mTBI neuropathology could lead to safer, more efficient return to sport, work or education.
Culture-free Rapid Isolation and Detection of Bacteria from Whole Blood at Clinically Relevant Concentrations
Authors: Miguélez M. Henar Marino , Osaid Mohammad , Larsson Jimmy , Kandavalli Vinodh , Elf Johan , van der Wijngaart Wouter 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRapid detection and antibiotic susceptibility profiling of bacterial agents in the blood of sepsis patients are crucial for determining appropriate treatment. The low bacteria concentrations and high abundance of blood cells currently necessitate culture-based diagnostic methods, which can take several days. Here, we introduce a method to isolate bacteria from whole blood with high separation power by smart centrifugation, followed by detection through microscopy in microfluidic traps within 2 h without the need for blood culture. We detectedE. coli, K. pneumonia, orE. faecalisfrom spiked samples of healthy human donor blood at clinically relevant concentrations as low as 9, 7 and 32 colony-forming units per ml of blood, respectively. This rapid isolation of living bacteria from blood at clinically relevant concentrations opens possibilities for rapid phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing for bloodstream infections without blood culture.
The differential virulence of Fusarium strains causing corneal infections and plant diseases is associated with accessory chromosome composition
Authors: Ayhan Dilay Hazal , Abbondante Serena , Martínez-Soto Domingo , Milo Shira , Rickelton Katherine , Sohrab Vista , Kotera Shunsuke , Arie Tsutomu , Marshall Michaela Ellen , Rocha Marina Campos , Haridas Sajeet , Grigoriev Igor V. , Shlezinger Neta , Pearlman Eric , Ma Li-Jun 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTFusarium oxysporumis a cross-kingdom pathogen. While some strains cause disseminated fusariosis and blinding corneal infections in humans, others are responsible for devastating vascular wilt diseases in plants. To better understand the distinct adaptations ofF. oxysporumto animal or plant hosts, we conducted a comparative phenotypic and genetic analysis of two strains: MRL8996 (isolated from a keratitis patient) and Fol4287 (isolated from a wilted tomato [Solanum lycopersicum]).In vivoinfection of mouse corneas and tomato plants revealed that, while both strains cause symptoms in both hosts, MRL8996 caused more severe corneal ulceration and perforation in mice, whereas Fol4287 induced more pronounced wilting symptoms in tomato.In vitroassays using abiotic stress treatments revealed that the human pathogen MRL8996 was better adapted to elevated temperatures, whereas the plant pathogen Fol4287 was more tolerant of osmotic and cell wall stresses. Both strains displayed broad resistance to antifungal treatment, with MRL8996 exhibiting the paradoxical effect of increased tolerance to higher concentrations of the antifungal caspofungin. We identified a set of accessory chromosomes (ACs) and protein-encoding genes with distinct transposon profiles and functions, respectively, between MRL8996 and Fol4287. Interestingly, ACs from both genomes also encode proteins with shared functions, such as chromatin remodeling and post-translational protein modifications. Our phenotypic assays and comparative genomics analyses lay the foundation for future studies correlating genotype with phenotype and for developing targeted antifungals for agricultural and clinical uses.ImportanceFusarium oxysporumis a cross-kingdom fungal pathogen that infects both plants and animals. In addition to causing many devastating wilt diseases, this group of organisms was recently recognized by the World Health Organization as a high-priority threat to human health. Climate change has increased the risk ofFusariuminfections, asFusariumstrains are highly adaptable to changing environments. Deciphering fungal adaptation mechanisms is crucial to developing appropriate control strategies. We performed a comparative analysis ofFusariumstrains using an animal (mouse) and plant (tomato) host andin vitroconditions that mimic abiotic stress. We also performed comparative genomics analyses to highlight the genetic differences between human and plant pathogens and correlate their phenotypic and genotypic variations. We uncovered important functional hubs shared by plant and human pathogens, such as chromatin modification, transcriptional regulation, and signal transduction, which could be used to identify novel antifungal targets.
Association of Interleukin-6 gene (rs1800795) variant with waist-hip-ratio and Insulin resistance: A cross sectional study in adult women
Authors: Gupta Abhishek , Singh Arun Kumar , Gupta Priyanka , Shah Komal , Gupta Vani 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObesity is a major contributing factor to metabolic disorders and public health problems worldwide. The goal of the current study was to determine if the Interleukin-6 gene rs1800795 variant is linked to waist-hip-ratio (WHR) and insulin resistance (IR) in North Indian adult women. The WHO guidelines were followed by 37 women who had a WHR >0.85 and 35 women who had a WHR <0.85, out of the 72 women who took part in the study. Every adult woman underwent anthropometric measures. Fasting blood glucose, serum Insulin, lipid levels, and IL-6 levels were measured, and IR was computed. The RFLP technique was used to polymorphise the IL-6 gene (174 G>C) variant. The study group’s Insulin, HOMA-IR, BMI, lipid profile, TC/HDL ratio, HDL/LDL ratio, and serum IL-6 level were shown to differ significantly from the control. The percentage frequency of the IL-6 mutant genotype GC+CC (89.19%) and mutant allele C (75.68%) was higher in the study group (WHR >0.85). According to the findings, WHR, TC, TG, and HOMA-IR were substantially correlated (all p <0.05) with the mutant genotype GC+CC of the IL-6 174 G>C gene. This study indicates that the IL-6 rs1800795 gene (174 G>C) variant was substantially linked with metabolic risk variables, such as WHR and HOMA-IR.
A surgery-informed precision approach to determining brain targets for real-time fMRI neurofeedback modulation in chronic pain
Authors: Liu Dan , Mi Yiqi , Li Menghan , Nigri Anna , Grisoli Marina , Kendrick Keith M , Becker Benjamin , Ferraro Stefania 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveDespite the promising results of neurofeedback with real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI-NF) in the treatment of various psychiatric and neurological disorders, few studies have investigated its effects in acute and chronic pain and with mixed results. The lack of clear neuromodulation targets, rooted in the still poorly understood neurophysiopathology of chronic pain, has probably contributed to these inconsistent findings. In contrast, functional neurosurgery (funcSurg) approaches targeting specific brain regions have been shown to reduce pain in a considerable number of patients with chronic pain, however, their invasiveness limits their use to patients in critical situations. In this work, we sought to redefine, in an unbiased manner, rt-fMRI-NF future targets informed by the long tradition of funcSurg approaches.Methodsusing independent systematic reviews, we identified the targets of the rt-fMRI-NF (in acute and chronic pain) and funcSurg (in chronic pain) studies and characterized their underlying functional networks using a subset of high spatial resolution resting-state fMRI data (7T MRI data from the Human Connectome Project). After applying principal component analysis to reduce the number of identified networks, we performed a quantitative functional and anatomical annotation of these networks with a large-scale meta-analytic approach. Finally, we characterized the functional networks, defining their degree of overlap with canonical intrinsic brain networks (default mode, salience, and somatosensory) and their neurotransmitter profile.ResultsAs expected, the rt-fMRI-NF and funcSurg targets were different, except for the middle cingulate cortex, and showed different characteristics in terms of their functional connectivity. Our findings indicate that targets of rt-fMRI-NF primarily encompass hubs within the default mode network and, to a lesser extent, within the salience network. In contrast, funcSurg targets predominantly involve hubs within the sensorimotor system (primarily the motor system), with less robust involvement of the salience network. Notably, 3 out of 4 derived funcSurg rs-fMRI networks correlated significantly with the distribution map of noradrenaline transporters, further supporting the functional relevance of the funcSurg networks as targets for the treatment of chronic pain.ConclusionKey hubs of the sensorimotor networks, in particular the motor system, may represent promising targets for the therapeutic application of rt-fMRI-NF in chronic pain in particular in neuropathic pain patients. Our results also suggest that the antinociceptive effects of the funcSurg approaches could be, at least partially, linked to the restoration of abnormal noradrenergic system activation.
Improving The Care of Critically Ill Patients: Lessons Learned from The Promotion of Essential Emergency and Critical Care In Tanzania: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kaliza Aneth Charles , Mlunde Linda , Schell Carl Otto , Khalid Karima , Sawe Hendry , Ba Elibariki Mkumbo , Kigombola Andrew , Mwandalima Isihaka , Sylvanus Erasto , Kilindimo Said , Lugazia Edwin , Masuma Janeth Stanslaus , Baker Tim 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo describe the lessons learned during the promotion of a new approach to the care of critically ill patients in Tanzania - Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC)DesignA descriptive qualitative study using thematic analysis of structured interviewsSetting and ParticipantsThe study was conducted in Tanzania, involving eleven policy makers, researchers and senior clinicians who participated in the promotion of EECC in the country.ResultsThe five thematic lessons that emerged from the promotion of EECC in Tanzania were: (i) ensure early and close collaboration with the government and stakeholders; (ii) conduct research and utilize evidence; (iii) prioritize advocacy and address misconceptions about EECC; (iv) leverage events and embed activities in other health system interventions and (v) employ a multifaceted implementation strategy.ConclusionThe results from this study show the efficacy of a holistic, comprehensive approach in promoting EECC as each strategy reinforces the others. This approach led the to the successful promotion of EECC and the development of a National Strategic Plan for EECC by the government of Tanzania.Article SummaryStrengths and Limitations of this study:StrengthsHigh credibility of findings due to the in-depth qualitative data collection process and the inclusion of diverse participants, which continued until data saturation was reached.Mitigation of personal biases by iterative sharing of findings with participants and key stakeholdersWeaknessesThe purposeful selection of participants may have missed some stakeholders with alternative viewpoints and experiences.We were unable to transcribe the interviews, instead, a codebook and audio recordings were used for cross-referencing which may have led some relevant information being missed.
GSK-3α-BNIP3 axis promotes mitophagy in human cardiomyocytes under hypoxia
Authors: Marzook Hezlin , Gupta Anamika , Jayakumar Manju N. , Saleh Mohamed A. , Tomar Dhanendra , Qaisar Rizwan , Ahmad Firdos 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDysregulated autophagy/mitophagy is one of the major causes of cardiac injury in ischemic conditions. Glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha (GSK-3α) has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases. However, the precise role of GSK-3α in cardiac mitophagy remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the role of GSK-3α in cardiac mitophagy by employing AC16 human cardiomyocytes under the condition of acute hypoxia. We observed that the gain-of-GSK-3α function profoundly induced mitophagy in the AC16 cardiomyocytes post-hypoxia. Moreover, GSK-3α overexpression led to increased ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes, accompanied by enhanced mitophagy displayed by increased mt-mKeima intensity under hypoxia. Mechanistically, we identified that GSK-3α promotes mitophagy through upregulation of BNIP3, caused by GSK-3α-mediated increase in expression of HIF-1α and FOXO3a in cardiomyocytes post-hypoxia. Moreover, GSK-3α displayed a physical interaction with BNIP3 and, inhibited PINK1 and Parkin recruitment to mitochondria was observed specifically under hypoxia. Taken together, we identified a novel mechanism of mitophagy in human cardiomyocytes. GSK-3α promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and regulates FOXO3a -mediated BNIP3 overexpression in cardiomyocytes to facilitate mitophagy following hypoxia. An interaction between GSK-3α and BNIP3 suggests a role of GSK-3α in BNIP3 recruitment to the mitochondrial membrane where it enhances mitophagy in stressed cardiomyocytes independent of the PINK1/Parkin.
Assessment of Awareness and Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus Transmission and Prevention Among Tertiary Institution Students in the Plateau Central Senatorial District, Nigeria
Authors: Rume Juliana , Morhason-Bello Imran O. , Oladokun Adesina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis cross-sectional study investigates awareness/knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, transmission, prevention, and HPV vaccine among tertiary institution students in Plateau State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students from two tertiary institutions in Plateau State, Nigeria. The study participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. A well-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Students’ responses were analysed to assess their awareness and knowledge regarding HPV transmission, prevention, and vaccination. A composite score was obtained for general HPV knowledge. A score of more than 70.0% indicated good knowledge. The distribution of the variables was examined using frequency distribution and descriptive statistics. The chi-square test was performed for bivariate analysis. Logistics regression was performed to examine the odds of having good HPV knowledge among the students. Level of significant was set at 95%.Of 425 students in this study, 302 (71.1%) were female and 123 (28.9%) were male. There was low awareness of HPV among students, with higher awareness among the females 66 (23.1%) than the males 26 (22.2%) (p = .853). Both female 77 (26.1%) and male students 31 (26.72%) had low awareness of HPV vaccination. Among all participants, only 19 (5%) demonstrated good knowledge of HPV. Students who were employed significantly had good knowledge of HPV compared to those who were unemployed.There is low awareness and general knowledge of HPV and its vaccination among tertiary institution students in Plateau State, Nigeria. The students’ employment status is associated with their knowledge of HPV.
Reliability and Structure of Diabetes Diet Adherence Scale (D-DAS): A Follow-up Study among Type 2 Diabetes Patients of India
Authors: Kushwaha Savitesh , Srivastava Rachana , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Sagar Vivek , Khanna Poonam 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionMeasuring dietary adherence is essential while prescribing a diet plan for type 2 diabetes. This study aims to develop and validate a diabetes diet adherence scale (D-DAS) among type 2 diabetes patients in India.MethodsA four-month non-randomised follow-up study was conducted among (n=120) type 2 diabetes patients attending the outpatient clinic. The adherence to the prescribed diet plan was determined using the D-DAS scale, and the impact of the prescribed diet plan was assessed at the endline. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to determine the underlying dimensions of the scale, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with multiple reliability measures was used to determine the reliability and construct validity of the scale.ResultsAdherence was 53.85%, and no significant difference was observed in baseline and endline fasting blood glucose. MCA revealed dimensions explaining 68.4% of the variance. CFA showed high reliability (McDonald’s ω and Guttman’s λ2=0.836). D-DAS demonstrated a reliable underlying construct (composite reliability=0.90, average variance explained=0.56).ConclusionD-DAS is a reliable and valid scale for measuring dietary adherence among type 2 diabetes patients in India. Adherence was moderate, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve dietary compliance and diabetes management.
EFFICACY OF SIBUTRAMINE AND TOPIRAMATE COMBINATION IN WEIGHT LOSS: RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY ON BRAZILIAN ADULTS
Authors: Yamamoto Heloisa Harumi , Napoli Thiago Fraga , Salles João Eduardo Nunes 
Published: May 2024

SUMMARYIntroductionObesity is a chronic, prevalent, multifactorial disease, stigmatized and linked to multiple long-term complications, which makes the treatment currently available below of the expectations from what is necessary to combat it. Because of this limitation, off-label medications for the treatment of obesity, such as topiramate, have been widely used, in association with on-label medications, such as sibutramine, in order to achieve more effective weight loss.ObjectiveCompare the effectiveness of the combination of sibutramine and topiramate with sibutramine monotherapy in weight loss in obese adults in regular follow-up. An effective weight loss is expected in the association group, due to complementary mechanisms of act, and antagonistic side effects of drugs, leading to greater weight loss and therapeutic adherence.Materials and MethodsRetrospective cohort study with analysis of 66 medical records, distributed equally between groups. A weight loss of ≥ 5% was considered as an effectiveness criterion.ResultsThe group treated with the association, after a mean follow-up period of 52 weeks, had a mean weight loss of 9.0%±8.2, against 5.3% ± 4.7 for the monotherapy group (p= 0.011). In the analysis of subgroups by weight loss categories, patients treated with the combination had an odds ratio of 6,7, to achieve ≥15% weight loss than the monotherapy group (OR=6.7, 95%CI=[1, 3; 33.7]).ConclusionA more effective weight loss was observed in the group treated with the combination of sibutramine and topiramate, when compared to the monotherapy group, after 52 weeks.
Cell differentiation controls iron assimilation in a choanoflagellate
Authors: Leon Fredrick , Espinoza-Esparza Jesus M. , Deng Vicki , Coyle Maxwell C. , Espinoza Sarah , Booth David S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMarine microeukaryotes have evolved diverse cellular features that link their life histories to surrounding environments. How those dynamic life histories intersect with the ecological functions of microeukaryotes remains a frontier to understand their roles in essential biogeochemical cycles1,2. Choanoflagellates, phagotrophs that cycle nutrients through filter feeding, provide models to explore this intersection, for many choanoflagellate species transition between life history stages by differentiating into distinct cell types3–6. Here we report that cell differentiation in the marine choanoflagellateSalpingoeca rosettaendows one of its cell types with the ability to utilize insoluble ferric colloids for improved growth through the expression of a cytochrome b561 iron reductase (cytb561a). This gene is an ortholog of the mammalian duodenal cytochrome b561 (DCYTB) that reduces ferric cations prior to their uptake in gut epithelia7and is part of an iron utilization toolkit that choanoflagellates and their closest living relatives, the animals, inherited from a last common eukaryotic ancestor. In a database of oceanic metagenomes8,9, the abundance ofcytb561atranscripts from choanoflagellates positively correlates with upwellings, which are a major source of ferric colloids in marine environments10. As this predominant form of iron11,12is largely inaccessible to cell-walled microbes13,14, choanoflagellates and other phagotrophic eukaryotes may serve critical ecological roles by first acquiring ferric colloids through phagocytosis and then cycling this essential nutrient through iron utilization pathways13–15. These findings provide insight into the ecological roles choanoflagellates perform and inform reconstructions of early animal evolution where functionally distinct cell types became an integrated whole at the origin of animal multicellularity16–22.