bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Detraining on Physical Capacity and Its Relationship With Depressive Symptoms, Quality of Life and Sedentary Behavior in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Cassemiliano Gabriela , Farche Ana C.S. , Lee Stefany , Rossi Paulo G. , Message Laura B. , dos Santos Tainara R. , Santos Vinícius R.S. , Takahashi Anielle C.M. 
Published: May 2024

Background: Detraining is the partial or complete loss of physical training-induced adaptations as a result of exercise interruption or reduction. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the discontinuation of many older adult exercise programs and led to increased depressive symptoms (DS), increased sedentary behavior (SB), and decreased quality of life (QoL). Objective: To evaluate the effects of detraining, in the pandemic, on physical capacity and its relationship with DS, QoL, and SB of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The physical capacity (static balance, dynamic balance, and lower limb and handgrip strength) of 35 participants was assessed prepandemic and after 18 and 24 months of the pandemic. DS, QoL, and SB were evaluated only at 18-month period. The analysis of variance for repeated measures or the Friedman and Pearson or Spearman tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: There was a decline in dynamic balance (p < .001) and strength in the lower limbs (p < .001) in the first 18 months, as well as maintenance in the following 6 months. The reduction in dynamic balance during the 18 months of the pandemic was associated with greater DS (p = .015; r = .414) and worse QoL (p = .024; r = −.381) in this period. More time spent on SB (p = .024; r = .386) in the 18th month was associated with worse dynamic balance in the following 6 months. Conclusion: Detraining in the pandemic setting led to long-lasting harmful effects, which can last for 2 years, on the physical capacity of community-dwelling older adults. Implication: Our findings highlight how periods of detraining can interfere in physical and mental health of older adults.
The elimination of two restriction enzyme genes allows for electroporation-based transformation and CRISPR-Cas9-based base editing in the non-competent Gram-negative bacterium
Acinetobacter
sp. Tol 5
Authors: Ishikawa Masahito , Hori Katsutoshi 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Environmental isolates are promising candidates for new chassis of synthetic biology because of their inherent capabilities, which include efficiently converting a wide range of substrates into valuable products and resilience to environmental stresses; however, many remain genetically intractable and unamenable to established genetic tools tailored for model bacteria.
Acinetobacter
sp. Tol 5, an environmentally isolated Gram-negative bacterium, possesses intriguing properties for use in synthetic biology applications. Despite the previous development of genetic tools for the engineering of strain Tol 5, its genetic manipulation has been hindered by low transformation efficiency via electroporation, rendering the process laborious and time-consuming. This study demonstrated the genetic refinement of the Tol 5 strain, achieving efficient transformation via electroporation. We deleted two genes encoding type I and type III restriction enzymes. The resulting mutant strain not only exhibited marked efficiency of electrotransformation but also proved receptive to both
in vitro
and
in vivo
DNA assembly technologies, thereby facilitating the construction of recombinant DNA without reliance on intermediate
Escherichia coli
constructs. In addition, we successfully adapted a CRISPR-Cas9-based base-editing platform developed for other
Acinetobacter
species. Our findings provide genetic modification strategies that allow for the domestication of environmentally isolated bacteria, streamlining their utilization in synthetic biology applications.

IMPORTANCE

Recent synthetic biology has sought diverse bacterial chassis from environmental sources to circumvent the limitations of laboratory
Escherichia coli
strains for industrial and environmental applications. One of the critical barriers in cell engineering of bacterial chassis is their inherent resistance to recombinant DNA, propagated either
in vitro
or within
E. coli
cells. Environmental bacteria have evolved defense mechanisms against foreign DNA as a response to the constant threat of phage infection. The ubiquity of phages in natural settings accounts for the genetic intractability of environmental isolates. The significance of our research is in demonstrating genetic modification strategies for the cell engineering of such genetically intractable bacteria. This research marks a pivotal step in the domestication of environmentally isolated bacteria, promising candidates for emerging synthetic biology chassis. Our work thus significantly contributes to advancing their applications across industrial, environmental, and biomedical fields.
Group A
Streptococcus
induces lysosomal dysfunction in THP-1 macrophages
Authors: Nishioka Scott T. , Snipper Joshua , Lee Jimin , Schapiro Joshua , Zhang Robert Z. , Abe Hyewon , Till Andreas , Okumura Cheryl Y. M. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

The human-specific bacterial pathogen group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Macrophages are important to control GAS infection, but previous data indicate that GAS can persist in macrophages. In this study, we detail the molecular mechanisms by which GAS survives in THP-1 macrophages. Our fluorescence microscopy studies demonstrate that GAS is readily phagocytosed by macrophages, but persists within phagolysosomes. These phagolysosomes are not acidified, which is in agreement with our findings that GAS cannot survive in low pH environments. We find that the secreted pore-forming toxin Streptolysin O (SLO) perforates the phagolysosomal membrane, allowing leakage of not only protons but also large proteins including the lysosomal protease cathepsin B. Additionally, GAS recruits CD63/LAMP-3, which may contribute to lysosomal permeabilization, especially in the absence of SLO. Thus, although GAS does not inhibit fusion of the lysosome with the phagosome, it has multiple mechanisms to prevent proper phagolysosome function, allowing for persistence of the bacteria within the macrophage. This has important implications for not only the initial response but also the overall functionality of the macrophages, which may lead to the resulting pathologies in GAS infection. Our data suggest that therapies aimed at improving macrophage function may positively impact patient outcomes in GAS infection.
Expanding science skills: teaching tissue culture, data analysis, and reporting through imaging the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Harrison Adrian , Evans Gareth , Blanco Gonzalo 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Within the eukaryotic cell, the actin cytoskeleton is a crucial structural framework that maintains cellular form, regulates cell movement and division, and facilitates the internal transportation of proteins and organelles. External cues induce alterations in the actin cytoskeleton primarily through the activation of Rho GTPases, which then bind to a diverse array of effector proteins to promote the local assembly or disassembly of actin. We have harnessed the extensively studied functions of RhoA in the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton to craft a practical series for Stage 2 Biology students. This series not only imparts essential tissue culture laboratory skills but also reinforces them through repetition. These activities are presented in a scenario designed for students to explore the function of a hypothetical RhoA family member. Students produce slides from transfected cells, undertake fluorescence microscopy, process the images using ImageJ, and compile their findings in a comprehensive scientific report. The composition of the report requires independent acquisition of new knowledge and synoptic learning. According to student feedback, this early experience greatly aids in solidifying and honing the skills required to report on more extensive and intricate research projects, such as capstone projects.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of community-based directly observed treatment (DOT) versus health facility-based DOT of tuberculosis in Africa: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baye Tenaw , Kassaw Abebe Tarekegn , Gebrie Desye , Girmaw Fentaw , Ashagrie Getachew 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, especially prevalent in the WHO African region. The WHO’s End TB Strategy emphasises effective treatment approaches such as directly observed therapy (DOT), yet the optimal implementation of DOT, whether through health facility-based (HF DOT) or community-based (CB DOT) approaches, remains uncertain.ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic comparison of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Community-Based Directly Observed Treatment (CB DOT) versus Health Facility-Based Directly Observed Treatment (HF DOT) for tuberculosis (TB) treatment in African settings.MethodsWe will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines. We will search PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and the Cochrane Library for articles published up to 30 March 2023, without date restrictions. Eligible studies must be full economic evaluations conducted in African countries, comparing CB DOT to HF DOT regarding treatment outcomes and costs. Exclusion criteria include non-English, non-peer-reviewed or studies lacking caregiver involvement in CB DOT, health facility-based DOT comparison, direct comparability between CB DOT and HF DOT, significant selection bias or non-economic evaluations. Data extraction will be performed independently by reviewers, and meta-analyses will use STATA software. To pool the data, a random-effect model will be applied, and quality assessment of the studies will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required as the study will use previously published articles available publicly. Findings will be presented at international and national conferences and published in open-access, peer-reviewed journals.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023443260.
Rare variant association analyses reveal the significant contribution of carbohydrate metabolic disturbance in severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Wen Wen , Zhao Zhengye , Zheng Zhifa , Zhao Sen , Zhao Hengqiang , Cheng Xi , Du Huakang , Li Ziquan , Wang Shengru , Qiu Guixing , Wu Zhihong , Zhang Terry Jianguo , Wu Nan 
Published: May 2024

Background
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the predominant genetic-influenced scoliosis, results in spinal deformities without vertebral malformations. However, the molecular aetiology of AIS remains unclear.

Methods
Using genome/exome sequencing, we studied 368 patients with severe AIS (Cobb angle >40°) and 3794 controls from a Han Chinese cohort. We performed gene-based and pathway-based weighted rare variant association tests to assess the mutational burden of genes and established biological pathways. Differential expression analysis of muscle tissues from 14 patients with AIS and 15 controls was served for validation.

Results

SLC16A8
, a lactate transporter linked to retinal glucose metabolism, was identified as a novel severe AIS-associated gene (p=3.08E-06, false discovery rate=0.009). Most AIS cases with deleterious
SLC16A8
variants demonstrated early onset high myopia preceding scoliosis. Pathway-based burden test also revealed a significant enrichment in multiple carbohydrate metabolism pathways, especially galactose metabolism. Patients with deleterious variants in these genes demonstrated a significantly larger spinal curve. Genes related to catabolic processes and nutrient response showed divergent expression between AIS cases and controls, reinforcing our genomic findings.

Conclusion
This study uncovers the pivotal role of genetic variants in carbohydrate metabolism in the development of AIS, unveiling new insights into its aetiology and potential treatment.
SF-36v2 and FACIT-Fatigue quality of life improvements with organ-specific SELENA-SLEDAI response and belimumab treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rendas-Baum Regina , Chen Wen-Hung , Gairy Kerry , Anderson Seth , Henning Christine , Hammer Anne , Kosinski Mark 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveExplore organ-specific SLE burden by assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and fatigue changes associated with Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) organ system response (score improvement) and belimumab treatment.MethodsData from four phase III belimumab trials were pooled for post hoc analysis (GSK Study 217382): BLISS-52 (NCT00424476), BLISS-76 (NCT00410384), BLISS-SC (NCT01484496) and EMBRACE (NCT01632241). Patients with baseline organ system involvement were classed as organ system responders if SELENA-SLEDAI scores for that organ system decreased at any post-baseline visit. HRQoL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2)) and fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue)) changes over 52 weeks were compared between organ system responders and non-responders, and separately between belimumab versus placebo treatment arms among organ system responders. Group-level differences were compared using analysis of variance; differences were interpreted using published group-level minimal important difference (MID).ResultsIn these post hoc analyses, musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous organ system responders had greater SF-36v2 improvements than non-responders across most SF-36v2 domains, but differences were largely <MID. Most organ system responders had improved FACIT-Fatigue scores versus non-responders, with cardiovascular and respiratory responders having improvements ≥MID. Musculoskeletal and renal responders receiving belimumab had greater improvements in several SF-36v2 domains than responders receiving placebo (>MID), with FACIT-Fatigue also improving >MID for renal responders receiving belimumab.ConclusionsSLE disease burden differs with the organ system(s) involved. While these analyses are limited by mutual inclusivity of organ system groupings, differing patient numbers between groups and small numbers in some groups, they suggest that mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal organ system response improves SF-36v2 domain scores; cardiovascular and respiratory organ system response may meaningfully improve fatigue; and belimumab may offer additional HRQoL or fatigue benefits beyond standard therapy for musculoskeletal and renal responders.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of birth weight and perfluorohexane sulfonate exposures: examination of sample timing and study confidence
Authors: Ru Hongyu , Lee Alexandra L , Rappazzo Kristen M , Dzierlenga Michael , Radke Elizabeth , Bateson Thomas F , Wright J Michael 
Published: May 2024

We examined the association between mean birth weight (BW) differences and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) exposure biomarkers.We fit a random effects model to estimate the overall pooled effect and for different strata based on biomarker sample timing and overall study confidence. We also conducted an analysis to examine the impact of a continuous measure of gestational age sample timing on the overall pooled effect.We detected a −7.9 g (95% CI −15.0 to –0.7; pQ=0.85; I2=0%) BW decrease per ln ng/mL PFHxS increase based on 27 studies. The 11 medium confidence studies (β=−10.0 g; 95% CI −21.1 to 1.1) showed larger deficits than 12 high (β=−6.8 g; 95% CI −16.3 to 2.8) and 4 low confidence studies (β=−1.5 g; 95% CI −51.6 to 48.7). 10 studies with mid-pregnancy to late-pregnancy sampling periods showed smaller deficits (β=−3.9 g; 95% CI −17.7 to 9.9) than 5 post-partum studies (β=−28.3 g; 95% CI −69.3 to 12.7) and 12 early sampling studies (β=−7.6 g; 95% CI −16.2 to 1.1). 6 of 12 studies with the earliest sampling timing showed results closer to the null.Overall, we detected a small but statistically significant BW deficit across 27 studies. We saw comparable BW deficit magnitudes in both the medium and high confidence studies as well as the early pregnancy group. Despite no definitive pattern by sample timing, larger deficits were seen in postpartum studies. We also saw results closer to the null for a subset of studies restricted to the earliest biomarker collection times. Serial pregnancy sampling, improved precision in gestational age estimates and more standardised reporting of sample variation and exposure units in future epidemiologic research may offer a greater understanding of the relationship between PFHxS on BW and any potential impact of pregnancy haemodynamics.
Supportive and palliative care needs in advanced non-malignant liver disease: systematic review
Authors: Haire Ellen , Mann Mala , Yeoman Andrew , Atkinson Clea , Wright Mark , Noble Simon 
Published: May 2024

Advanced cirrhosis confers a significant symptom burden and has a 50% 2-year mortality rate in those with decompensated disease. There is increasing demand for supportive and palliative care (SAPC) for these patients, yet no consensus on the best model of delivery. It is necessary to identify the needs of such patients and their carers, and evaluate whether they are being met.A literature search was conducted using key words pertaining to adult patients with liver cirrhosis and their SAPC needs. Study quality was assessed and findings grouped by theme. 51 full texts were selected for inclusion, 8 qualitative studies, 33 quantitative studies, 7 systematic reviews, 2 mixed methods studies and 1 Delphi methods. Key findings were grouped into three main themes: SAPC needs, access to SAPC and models of care.Patients with cirrhosis have significant psychological and physical symptom burden with many unmet needs. These data failed to identify the best service model of care. The impact of specialist palliative care (SPC) referral was limited by small numbers and late referrals. With the majority of studies conducted in the USA, it is unclear how well these findings translate to other healthcare systems. Comparison between hepatology led services and SPC was limited by inconsistent outcome measures and prevented pooling of data sets. These data also had limited evaluation of patient-reported outcome measures. We propose the development of a core outcome set to ensure consistent and meaningful evaluation of the SAPC needs of patients with advanced non-malignant liver cirrhosis.
A semi-analytic approximation for a single-particle continuum wavefunction
Authors: Shakeshaft Robin 
Published: May 2024

A moderately simple approximation to the radial wavefunction of an unbound particle which carries arbitrary angular momentum l( l + 1) and which scatters from any physical potential, including one with a Coulomb tail, is presented. The approximate wavefunction has the form of a linear combination of short- and long-range analytical functions that satisfies the correct boundary conditions at both the origin and at large distances. The coefficients of the short-range functions are determined by solving a matrix equation whose elements are highly suited to numerical quadrature, and which are hardly more difficult to evaluate for l ≫ 1 than for l = 0. The coefficients of the long-range functions are determined by both the nature of the interaction at large distances and the cusp condition on the wavefunction at the origin. This wavefunction has been tested by application to pure Coulomb scattering and to electron scattering from hydrogen within the 1s–2s–2p close coupling framework.
Spooky action at a distance? A two-phase study into learners’ views of quantum entanglement
Authors: Brang Michael , Franke Helena , Greinert Franziska , Ubben Malte S. , Hennig Fabian , Bitzenbauer Philipp 
Published: May 2024

AbstractQuantum entanglement is a challenging concept within the field of physics education, often eluding a full grasp by both educators and learners alike. In this paper, we report findings from a two-phase empirical study into the views of entanglement held by pre-service physics teachers and physics students from various universities. In the first phase, we utilized a questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions which was completed by 31 pre-service physics teachers. The study participants’ ideas were explored using qualitative content analysis which led to the creation of rating scale items used in study phase 2. These items were administered to a broader cohort including 73 physics university students in order to capture the learners’ agreement or disagreement with the questionnaire statements, and hence, helped to validate and substantiate the in-depth insights from study phase 1. Key findings revealed widespread accurate notions, like the need to consider the entire system when examining entangled states. However, less elaborated views were also identified, including ideas such as that measurements of entangled states always show perfect (anti-)correlation. Another striking observation was the confusion between quantum entanglement and superposition. In the case of quantum teleportation, many participants seemed to have a basic grasp of the concept, although a number of misconceptions were apparent, notably the idea that quantum entanglement enables faster-than-light communication. Practically, the findings can assist educators in anticipating and addressing widespread (mis-)conceptions, paving the way for more effective instruction in quantum mechanics and its real-world applications, such as quantum cryptography and computing.
Impact of diabetes on short-term outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Krasivskyi Ihor , Ivanov Borko , Msallati Zakaria , Großmann Clara , Gerfer Stephen , Mihaylova Mariya , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Origel Romero Christian , Djordjevic Ilija , Wahlers Thorsten , Bakhtiary Farhad , Sabashnikov Anton 
Published: May 2024

Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with concomitant comorbidities, such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is the optimal therapy in diabetic patients with triple vessel disease. DM is also known to be a relevant risk factor for higher morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent elective CABG procedures. Data regarding outcomes in diabetic patients in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is heterogeneous. This study aimed to investigate the impact of DM on short-term outcomes in patients who underwent CABG surgery in ACS. Methods A retrospective propensity score matched (PSM) analysis of 1370 patients who underwent bypass surgery for ACS between June 2011 and October 2019 was conducted. All patients were divided into two groups: non-diabetic group ( n = 905) and diabetic group ( n = 465). In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were perioperative myocardial infarction, new onset dialysis, reopening for bleeding and duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. A subgroup analysis of patients with insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent DM was also performed. Results After performing PSM analysis, baseline characteristics and the preoperative risk profile were comparable between both groups. The proportion of patients who underwent total arterial revascularization ( p = .048) with the use of both internal thoracic arteries ( p < .001) was significantly higher in the non-diabetic group. The incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction ( p = .048) and new onset dialysis ( p = .008) was significantly higher in the diabetic group. In-hospital mortality was statistically ( p = .907) comparable between the two groups. Conclusion DM was associated with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes, however with comparable in-hospital mortality in patients who underwent CABG procedure for ACS.