bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving reproductive success in captive marmosets through active female choice
Authors: Drazan Taylor M , Bradley Sean P , Jones Aikeen , Allen-Worthington Krystal , Chudasama Yogita 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe recent upsurge in the use of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) as a desirable model for high priority biomedical research has challenged local and global suppliers struggling to provide sufficient numbers of marmosets for large scale projects. Scientific research laboratories are increasingly establishing institutional breeding colonies, in part to combat the resulting shortage and high cost of commercially available animals, and in part to have maximum control over research lines involving reproduction and development. For such laboratories, efficient marmoset breeding can be challenging and time consuming. Random male/female pairings are often unsuccessful, with intervals of several months before attempting alternate pairings. Here we address this challenge through a behavioral task that promotes self-directed female selection of potential mates to increase the efficiency of breeding in captive marmosets. We created a partner preference test (‘love maze’) in which nulliparous females (n=12) had the opportunity to select between two eligible males (n=23) at a time, in a forced choice test. In this test, both males usually displayed sexual solicitations. However, the female would clearly indicate her preference for one. Most commonly, the female actively ignored the non-preferred male and directed overt prosocial behaviors (e.g. proceptive tongue-flicking, approach and grooming) to the preferred male. Moreover, once a male was selected in this context, the female would continue to prefer him over other males in three consecutive testing sessions. Compared with random pairings, this directed female choice showed a 2.5-fold improvement in breeding within 90 days compared to random pairings. This cost-effective and straightforward pairing practice can be used to enhance breeding efficiency in both small and large marmoset colonies.
Mechanical Properties of White Matter Tracts in Aging Assessed via Anisotropic MR Elastography
Authors: Caban-Rivera Diego A. , Williams Lance T. , McGarry Matthew D. J. , Smith Daniel R. , Van Houten Elijah E. W. , Paulsen Keith D. , Bayly Philip V. , Johnson Curtis L. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTMagnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a promising neuroimaging technique to probe tissue microstructure, which has revealed widespread softening with loss of structural integrity in the aging brain. Traditional MRE approaches assume mechanical isotropy. However, white matter is known to be anisotropic from aligned, myelinated axonal bundles, which can lead to uncertainty in mechanical property estimates in these areas when using isotropic MRE. Recent advances in anisotropic MRE now allow for estimation of shear and tensile anisotropy, along with substrate shear modulus, in white matter tracts. The objective of this study was to investigate age-related differences in anisotropic mechanical properties in human brain white matter tracts for the first time. Anisotropic mechanical properties in all tracts were found to be significantly lower in older adults compared to young adults, with average property differences ranging between 0.028-0.107 for shear anisotropy and between 0.139-0.347 for tensile anisotropy. Stiffness perpendicular to the axonal fiber direction was also significantly lower in older age, but only in certain tracts. When compared with fractional anisotropy measures from diffusion tensor imaging, we found that anisotropic MRE measures provided additional, complementary information in describing differences between the white matter integrity of young and older populations. Anisotropic MRE provides a new tool for studying white matter structural integrity in aging and neurodegeneration.
Basic reproduction number for pandemicEscherichia coliclones varies markedly and can be comparable to pandemic influenza viruses
Authors: Ojala Fanni , Pesonen Henri , Gladstone Rebecca A. , Mäklin Tommi , Tonkin-Hill Gerry , Marttinen Pekka , Corander Jukka 
Published: May 2024

AbstractExtra-intestinal pathogenicEscherichia coli(ExPEC) ubiquitously colonize the human gut and represent clinically the most significant bacterial species causing urinary tract infections and bacteremia in addition to contributing to meningitis in neonates. During the last two decades, newE. colimulti-drug resistant clones such as ST131, particularly its clades C2 and C1, have spread globally, as has their generally less resistant sister clade ST131-A. Phylodynamic coalescent modeling has indicated exponential growth in the populations corresponding to these clades during the early 2000s. However, it remains unknown how their transmission dynamics compare to viral epidemics and pandemics in terms of key epidemiological quantities such as the basic reproduction number (R0). Estimation ofR0for opportunistic pathogenic bacteria poses a difficult challenge compared to viruses causing acute infections, since data onE. coliinfections accumulate with a much longer delay, even in the most advanced public health reporting systems. Here, we developed a compartmental model for asymptomatic gut colonization and onward transmission coupled with a stochastic epidemiological observation model for bacteremia and fitted the model to annual Norwegian nationalE. colidisease surveillance and bacterial population genomics data. Approximate Bayesian Computation leveraged by the ELFI software package was used to inferR0for the pandemic ST131 clades. The resultingR0estimates for ST131-A and ST131-C2 were 1.47 (1.31-1.60) and 1.13 (1.08-1.20), respectively, indicating that the ST131-A transmission potential is comparable to pandemic influenza viruses, such as H1N1. The significantly lower transmissibility of ST131-C2 suggests that its global dissemination has been aided by antibiotic selection pressure and that it may be more effectively transmitted through health care facilities instead of primarily community driven transmission. In summary our results provide a fundamental advance in understanding the transmissibility of these opportunistic pathogens and that it can vary markedly even between very closely relatedE. coli.
Myosin VI controls localization of Golgi satellites at active presynaptic boutons
Authors: Hertrich Nathalie , Doil Nathanael , Konietzny Anja , Mikhaylova Marina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNeurons, as long-living non-dividing cells with complex morphology, depend on highly elaborate secretory trafficking system which ensures the constant delivery, removal and recycling of proteins and membranes. Previously, we have shown that simplified Golgi-related structures called Golgi satellites (GS), distinct from the somatic Golgi complex, are present in dendrites of primary hippocampal neurons and are involved in glycosylation and local forward trafficking of membrane proteins. However, whether GS are also targeted to axons of principal neurons have not been explored. Here, we investigate the subcellular distribution of GS in adult hippocampal neurons and discover that mobile and stationary GS are present along the entire axonal length, extending to the distal tips of the growth cone. Live imaging experiments revealed that neuronal firing modulates the switch between long range transport mediated by kinesin and dynein and stalling. We found that GS frequently pause or stop at pre-synaptic sites in activity-dependent manner. This behavior depends on the actin cytoskeleton and the actin-based motor protein myosin VI. Overall, our study demonstrates that neuronal activity can dynamically regulate the positioning of GS in the axon, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying organelle trafficking in neurons.Significance statementOur study unveils the presence and dynamic behavior of Golgi satellites (GS), specialized organelles implicated in glycosylation and membrane protein trafficking, within axons of adult neurons. We found that mobile and stationary GS are present throughout the axonal length, including distal growth cone regions. GS are transported bidirectionally and their preferential pausing at presynaptic sites is regulated by neuronal firing. GS positioning at presynaptic boutons relies on the actin cytoskeleton and the myosin VI motor protein. This work elucidates how neuronal activity modulates GS distribution, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms of organelle trafficking in neurons.
Syncing Minds for Learning: Student-Teacher Interaction Forecasts Academic Improvements Over Semesters
Authors: Xu Xiaomeng , Zhang Dan , Zhang Yu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundStudent performance continuously fluctuates throughout the learning process, with teachers playing a pivotal role in shaping these changes. While previous research has established the influence of student-teacher interactions on learning outcomes, how such interactions drive variations in performance across different students remains an open question. In practice, teachers are often unclear about which students interact well with them, which may hinder the improvement of teaching strategies.AimsLeveraging advancements in hyperscanning technology, this study utilizes longitudinal EEG data collected in real classrooms to explore the impact of student-teacher inter-brain coupling on academic improvements.MethodsThe study employs a novel dynamic model and two static models to explore the relationship between teacher-student inter-brain coupling and students’ academic performance and progress, while controlling for the effects of teacher self-selection.ResultsThe findings reveal that enhanced coupling predominately at the high-beta frequency band serves as a positive predictor of academic improvements in both Chinese and math subjects.ConclusionsThis study highlights the critical role of inter-brain coupling in learning, providing robust evidence of ecological validity and confirming its practical potential.
The Anomalous Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on the Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP)
Authors: Nicholls-Mindlin Jessica , Hazan Hadar , Zhou Bin , Li Fangyong , Ferrara Maria , Levine Nina , Riley Sarah , Karmani Sneha , Mathis Walter S , Keshavan Matcheri S , Srihari Vinod 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe investigated the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). First-episode psychosis admissions (n=101) to STEP Clinic in Connecticut showed DUP reduction (p=.0015) in the pandemic, with the median reducing from 208 days during the pre-pandemic to 56 days in the early pandemic period and subsequently increasing to 154 days (p=.0281). Time from psychosis onset to anti-psychotic prescription decreased significantly in the pandemic (p=.0183), with the median falling from 117 to 35 days. This cohort study demonstrates an association between greater pandemic restrictions and marked DUP reduction and provides insights for future early detection efforts.
A new method using rapid Nanopore metagenomic cell-free DNA sequencing to diagnose bloodstream infections: a prospective observational study
Authors: Nielsen Morten Eneberg , Søgaard Kirstine Kobberøe , Karst Søren Michael , Krarup Anne Lund , Nielsen Hans Linde , Albertsen Mads 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundBloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a major cause of mortality, in part due to many patients developing sepsis or septic shock. To survive sepsis, it is paramount that effective antimicrobial therapy is initiated rapidly to avoid excess mortality, but the current gold-standard to identify the pathogen in BSIs, blood culturing, has great limitations with a long turnaround time and a poor sensitivity. This delay to correct empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatments leads to excess mortality and antimicrobial resistance development.MethodsIn this study we developed a metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) assay utilizing the Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform to sequence microbial cell-free DNA from blood plasma. The method was evaluated in a prospective observational clinical study (n=40) in an emergency ward setting, where a study sample was taken from the same venipuncture as a blood culture sample from patients with a suspected BSI.FindingsNanopore mNGS confirmed all findings in patients with a positive blood culture (n=11), and identified pathogens relevant to the acute infection in an additional 11 patients with a negative blood culture. In an analysis of potential impact on the antibiotic treatment, we found that 59% (n=13) of mNGS positive answers could have impacted the treatment, with five cases of a change from ineffective to effective therapy.InterpretationThis study demonstrates that culture-independent Nanopore mNGS directly on blood plasma could be a feasible alternative to blood culturing for infection diagnostics for patients admitted with a severe infection or sepsis. The method identified a relevant pathogen in patients with a broad range of etiologies including urinary tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections. With a turnaround time of 6 hours the method could provide unprecedented speed and sensitivity in BSI diagnostics.
Long-term effects of a coalmine fire on hospital and ambulance use: an interrupted time series study
Authors: Lane Tyler J. , Smith Catherine L. , Gao Caroline X. , Ikin Jillian F. , Xu Rongbin , Carroll Matthew T.C. , Nehme Emily , Abramson Michael J. , Guo Yuming 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn 2014, the Hazelwood coalmine fire in regional Victoria, Australia shrouded nearby communities in smoke for six weeks. Prior investigations identified substantial adverse effects, including increases in the use of health services. In this study, we examined the effects on hospital and ambulance use in the eight years following the fire.MethodsUsing Victorian hospital (Jan 2009-Jun 2022) and ambulance (Jan 2013-Dec 2021) data, we conducted an interrupted time series of changes to the rate of hospital admissions, emergency presentations, and ambulance attendances. A categorical exposure model compared two locations, most-exposed Morwell and less-exposed Latrobe Valley, to the rest of regional Victoria. A continuous exposure model used spatial estimates of fire-related PM2.5. Analyses were stratified by sex, age group (<65/65+ years), and condition (cardiovascular, respiratory, mental health, injury).ResultsThere were small but significant increases in overall hospital admissions and emergency presentations across all analyses, but little evidence of change in overall ambulance attendances. Effects varied considerably by condition, with the biggest relative increases observed among hospital admissions for mental health conditions and injuries. While cardiovascular-related hospital admissions and emergency presentations increased post-fire, ambulance attendances decreased.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the Hazelwood coalmine fire likely increased hospital usage. However, it is unclear whether this was due to the direct effects of smoke exposure on health, or the disruptive socioeconomic and behavioural impacts of an environmental disaster that affected how communities engaged with various health services.
DNA Methylation-Derived Immune Cell Proportions and Cancer Risk, Including Lung Cancer, in Black Participants
Authors: Semancik Christopher S. , Zhao Naisi , Koestler Devin C. , Boerwinkle Eric , Bressler Jan , Buchsbaum Rachel J. , Kelsey Karl T. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Michaud Dominique S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPrior cohort studies assessing cancer risk based on immune cell subtype profiles have predominantly focused on White populations. This limitation obscures vital insights into how cancer risk varies across race. Immune cell subtype proportions were estimated using deconvolution based on leukocyte DNA methylation markers from blood samples collected at baseline on participants without cancer in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Over a mean of 17.5 years of follow-up, 668 incident cancers were diagnosed in 2,467 Black participants. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine immune cell subtype proportions and overall cancer incidence and site-specific incidence (lung, breast, and prostate cancers). Higher T regulatory cell proportions were associated with statistically significantly higher lung cancer risk (hazard ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.06-1.41 per percent increase). Increased memory B cell proportions were associated with significantly higher risk of prostate cancer (1.17, 1.04-1.33) and all cancers (1.13, 1.05-1.22). Increased CD8+ naïve cell proportions were associated with significantly lower risk of all cancers in participants ≥55 years (0.91, 0.83-0.98). Other immune cell subtypes did not display statistically significant associations with cancer risk. These results in Black participants align closely with prior findings in largely White populations. Findings from this study could help identify those at high cancer risk and outline risk stratifying to target patients for cancer screening, prevention, and other interventions. Further studies should assess these relationships in other cancer types, better elucidate the interplay of B cells in cancer risk, and identify biomarkers for personalized risk stratification.
Comparing Single-Cell Transcriptomes of Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid Leukocytes in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sayad Saed , Hiatt Mark , Mustafa Hazem 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, marked by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. Diagnosis is complex due to overlapping symptoms with other neurological conditions, typically relying on clinical evaluation, neurological exams, and tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Recent advances in technology, particularly single-cell analysis of blood and CSF leukocytes, hold promise for enhancing MS diagnosis by providing insights into immune cell involvement at a molecular level, potentially enabling more precise diagnostics and personalized treatments.MethodWe acquired single-cell RNA Sequence (RNA-Seq) data (GSE138266) from the website of the National Institutes of Health of the United States (NIH), comprising blood and CSF samples from patients diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and MS. Our analysis focused on identifying genes, pathways and gene ontology terms with distinct expression patterns in MS compared to IIH.ResultsWe identified clear differences in gene expression profiles between blood and CSF samples in MS, contrasting with single-cell leukocyte samples from IIH. The increased expression of genes in MS suggests a boost in immune activity and regulation of cellular proliferation, while decreased expression points to disruptions across various functional categories. Gene ontology analysis identifies upregulated terms associated with cellular differentiation, apoptotic regulation, and immune responses in MS, while downregulated terms suggest disruptions in cellular signaling cascades and myelination processes. Similarly, Reactome pathway analysis unveils upregulated pathways in MS related to cell cycle regulation and immune mechanisms, contrasting with downregulated pathways indicative of disruptions in oxygen transport and cellular metabolism.ConclusionOur study offers a thorough examination of single-cell transcriptomic data, unveiling unique gene expression patterns, gene ontology terms, and Reactome pathways linked to MS pathophysiology. Notably, our findings identifyCD69andHNRNPKas potential key genes driving MS progression. By clarifying molecular differences between MS and IIH, our findings enhances our grasp of MS pathogenesis and unveils promising targets for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Health and TB systems resilience and pandemic preparedness: Insights from a cross-country analysis of data from policymakers in India, Indonesia, and Nigeria
Authors: Brubacher Laura Jane , Yellappa Vijayashree , Lestari Bony Wiem , Heitkamp Petra , Vasquez Nathaly Aguilera , Sassi Angelina , Olusola-Faleye Bolanle , Thapa Poshan , Klinton Joel Shyam , Sheokand Surbhi , Pai Madhukar , Oga-Omenka Charity 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented challenge to health systems worldwide and had a severe impact on tuberculosis (TB) case notifications and service delivery. India, Indonesia, and Nigeria are high TB-burden countries where the majority of initial care-seeking happens in the private health sector. The objectives of this study were to (1) explore policymakers’ perspectives on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on private sector TB service delivery in India, Indonesia, and Nigeria; and (2) identify cross-cutting lessons learned for pandemic preparedness with respect to TB service delivery.MethodsFrom May – November 2021, thirty-three interviews were conducted with key policymakers involved in health service administration, TB service delivery, and/or the COVID-19 response in India, Indonesia, and Nigeria (n = 11 in each country). Interviews focused on the impact of COVID-19 on TB services and lessons learned for pandemic preparedness with respect to TB. Data were analyzed thematically using a hybrid inductive-deductive approach, informed by Haldane et al.’s (2021) Determinants of Health Systems Resilience Framework.ResultsPolicymakers highlighted the crucial role of intersectoral collaboration, effective governance, innovative financing strategies, health workforce reallocation, and technological advancements such as virtual consultations and mHealth in strengthening TB service delivery amid the COVID-19 pandemic. India relied on patient-provider support agencies to implement a joint strategy for TB care across sectors and states. Indonesia engaged networks of private provider professional associations to facilitate coordination of the COVID-19 response. Nigeria implemented a pandemic policy for public-private referral for the continuity of TB care.ConclusionCountries implemented varied measures to support TB service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents lessons learned from three countries (India, Indonesia, and Nigeria) that together offer a ‘menu’ of possibilities for supporting pandemic preparedness with respect to TB care vis-à-vis strengthening health systems resilience.