bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Longitudinal Alterations in Postural Control Following Lower Limb Injury in Professional Rugby Union Players
Authors: McCarthy-Ryan Molly F. , Mellalieu Stephen D. , Jones Holly , Bruton Adam , Moore Isabel S. 
Published: June 2024

Assessment of player’s postural control following a lower limb injury is of interest to sports medicine practitioners due to its fundamental role in daily tasks and sporting activities. The aim was to longitudinally monitor professional rugby union players’ postural control during each phase of the rehabilitation program (acute, middle, and late) following a lower limb injury. Seven male rugby union players (height 1.80 [0.02] m; mass 100.3 [11.4] kg; age 24 [4] y) sustained a time loss, noncontact lower limb injury. Static postural control was assessed via sway path (in meters), and dynamic postural control was assessed via vertical postural stability index. Group differences (P < .05) were reported across the acute, middle, and late phase. Smaller magnitudes of sway path were observed for eyes-open sway path, and for the middle and late phase smaller magnitudes of vertical postural stability index (P < .05) at the end session compared with first session. Whereas larger magnitudes of vertical postural stability index were found between baseline and the last session (P < .05). Large interindividual and intraindividual variation was apparent across the 3 phases of rehabilitation. Postural control improvements were identified during rehabilitation. However, postural control did not return to baseline, with altered kinetics throughout each rehabilitation phase.
Spatio-temporal organization of the
E. coli
chromosome from base to cellular length scales
Authors: Royzenblat Sonya K. , Freddolino Lydia 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
has been a vital model organism for studying chromosomal structure, thanks, in part, to its small and circular genome (4.6 million base pairs) and well-characterized biochemical pathways. Over the last several decades, we have made considerable progress in understanding the intricacies of the structure and subsequent function of the
E. coli
nucleoid. At the smallest scale, DNA, with no physical constraints, takes on a shape reminiscent of a randomly twisted cable, forming mostly random coils but partly affected by its stiffness. This ball-of-spaghetti-like shape forms a structure several times too large to fit into the cell. Once the physiological constraints of the cell are added, the DNA takes on overtwisted (negatively supercoiled) structures, which are shaped by an intricate interplay of many proteins carrying out essential biological processes. At shorter length scales (up to about 1 kb), nucleoid-associated proteins organize and condense the chromosome by inducing loops, bends, and forming bridges. Zooming out further and including cellular processes, topological domains are formed, which are flanked by supercoiling barriers. At the megabase-scale both large, highly self-interacting regions (macrodomains) and strong contacts between distant but co-regulated genes have been observed. At the largest scale, the nucleoid forms a helical ellipsoid. In this review, we will explore the history and recent advances that pave the way for a better understanding of
E. coli
chromosome organization and structure, discussing the cellular processes that drive changes in DNA shape, and what contributes to compaction and formation of dynamic structures, and in turn how bacterial chromatin affects key processes such as transcription and replication.
‘Grasshopper sign’: the novel imaging of post-COVID-19 myelopathy with delayed longitudinal white matter abnormalities
Authors: Okumura Motohiro , Sekiguchi Kazumasa , Okamoto Tomoko , Saika Reiko , Maki Hiroyuki , Sato Wakiro , Sato Noriko , Yamamura Takashi , Takahashi Yuji 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionRecently, there have been a few reports of atypical post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) myelopathy manifesting tract-specific lesions similar to those due to vitamin B12deficiency. However, the precise characteristics of imaging or clinical course remain not well understood.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the clinical and imaging characteristics of four patients who were referred to our hospital with a unique post-COVID-19 myelopathy was performed.ResultsFour-to-six weeks following COVID-19 infection in the summer of 2023, four middle-aged men developed paraparesis, hypo/dysesthesia and bladder/bowel disturbance, suggesting myelopathy. Although spinal MRI showed no abnormalities in the early stages, tract-specific longitudinal lesions along the dorsal and lateral columns became apparent as the symptoms progressed. Owing to the lack of MRI findings at the early stage, all cases were challenging to diagnose. However, the patients remained partially responsive to aggressive immunosuppressive therapies, even in the advanced stage.DiscussionWe termed these tract-specific longitudinal lesions in the presented case series ‘Grasshopper sign’ because brain coronal and spine axial MRI findings looked like a grasshopper’s antennae and face. Early identification of the characteristic MRI abnormality could allow for early intervention using intensive immunosuppressive therapy, which could improve patient outcomes.
Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for the management of primary dysmenorrhoea: protocol for a randomised controlled trial in China
Authors: Liu Weiting , Ding Yanting , Xie Honggang , Liu Hansheng , Liang Changhao 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionPrimary dysmenorrhoea (PD) is a common menstrual concern with significant physical and psychosocial impacts. The effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in alleviating PD symptoms remain uncertain due to insufficient evidence. This single-centre, parallel, randomised controlled study intends to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TEAS for PD management.Methods and analysis60 participants aged 18–40 years diagnosed with moderate to severe PD will be recruited from Tai’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and randomly assigned to either a TEAS group or a TEAS-sham group (1:1). The TEAS group will undergo 12 sessions of TEAS treatment over two menstrual cycles, with 30 min per session, three sessions weekly. Participants in the TEAS-sham group will receive TEAS stimulation using identical devices and protocols but without current output. The primary outcome is the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain assessment. Secondary outcomes are Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, total effective rate, uterine artery haemodynamics, prostaglandin and β-endorphin level, mental well-being and quality of life. Adverse events and their potential reasons and the use of analgesics will also be recorded.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tai’an Hospital of TCM. Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant. The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberChiCTR2300071686.
Graves-PCD: protocol for a randomised, dose-finding, adaptive trial of the plasma cell-depleting agent daratumumab in severe Graves’ disease
Authors: Wolstenhulme Faye , Bibby Irena , Cole Michael , Grixti Lydia , McGregor Naomi , Bradley Penny , Maier Rebecca H , Walker Jenn , Pearce Simon H , Wason James 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionSevere Graves’ disease is a life-changing condition with poor outcomes from currently available treatments. It is caused by directly pathogenic thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor-stimulating antibodies (TRAb), which are secreted from plasma cells. The human anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab was developed to target plasma cells which express high levels of CD38, and is currently licensed for treatment of the plasma cell malignancy, myeloma. However, it can also deplete benign plasma cells with the potential to reduce TRAb and alter the natural history of severe Graves’ disease. This study aims to establish proof of concept that daratumumab has efficacy in patients with severe Graves’ disease and will provide important data to inform a choice of dosing regimen for subsequent trials.Methods and analysisThe Graves-PCD trial aims to determine if daratumumab modulates the humoral immune response in patients with severe Graves’ disease, and if so, over what time period, and to find an optimal dose. It is a single-blinded, randomised, dose-finding, adaptive trial using four different doses of daratumumab or placebo in 30 adult patients. Part 1 of the trial is dose-finding and, following an interim analysis, in part 2, the remaining patients will be randomised between the chosen dose(s) from the interim analysis or placebo. The primary outcome is the percentage change in serum TRAb from baseline to 12 weeks.Ethics and disseminationThe trial received a favourable ethical opinion from London-Hampstead Research Ethics Committee (reference 21/LO/0449). The results of this trial will be disseminated at international meetings, in the peer-reviewed literature and through partner patient group newsletters and presentations at patient education events.Trial registration numberISRCTN81162400.
Association of perioperative glucose profiles assessed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with prognosis in Chinese patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome: a cohort study protocol
Authors: Shi Jie , Zhang Hongqiang , Wang Xulin , Weng Jiahao , Ding Yu , Wu Jiawei , Zheng Xueying , Luo Sihui , Hu Hao 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionNon-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) remains a significant clinical concern, accounting for over 70% of acute coronary syndrome cases. One well-established risk factor for NSTE-ACS is abnormal glucose metabolism, which is associated with a poor prognosis postpercutaneous coronary intervention. Effective monitoring of blood glucose is crucial in diabetes care, as it helps identify glucose metabolic imbalances, thereby guiding therapeutic strategies and assessing treatment efficacy. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides comprehensive glucose profiles. Therefore, the study aims to use CGM to track perioperative glucose variations in NSTE-ACS patients and to determine its prognostic implications.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, prospective observational study in a sample of patients (aged >18 years) with NSTE-ACS. A total of 1200 eligible patients will be recruited within 1 year at 6 sites in China. The primary composite endpoint will be determined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 3 years. MACE includes all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke and target vessel revascularisation. Employing the CGM system, glucose levels will be continuously monitored throughout the perioperative phase. Prespecified cardiovascular analyses included analyses of the components of this composite and outcomes according to CGM-derived glucometrics at baseline.Ethics and disseminationThis study has received approval from the Medical Research Ethics Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (No. 2022KY357) and will adhere to the moral, ethical and scientific principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants will provide written informed consent prior to any study-related procedures. Findings from the study will be shared at conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration numberChiCT2300069663.
Is household food insecurity associated with social attitudes accepting of physical intimate partner violence against women in Nigeria? A population-level cross-sectional study
Authors: Ujah Otobo I , Ocheke Amaka N , Olagbuji Biodun N 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesAlthough prior research suggests that household food insecurity (HFI) is associated with intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW), there is a paucity of research regarding its impact on attitudes accepting of IPVAW. We examined whether individuals experiencing HFI are more likely to accept physical IPVAW, whether the association varies by gender and whether it persists when models are adjusted for other confounders.DesignPopulation-level cross-sectional analysis.SettingThis study used the round 6 of the UNICEF-supported Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in Nigeria.ParticipantsThe sample included 23 200 women and 7087 men, aged 15–49 years, who were currently married or in union and responded to the attitudes towards domestic violence and HFI modules in the MICS.Outcome measures and statistical analysisAttitudinal acceptance of physical IPVAW (specific forms and overall). We conducted weighted multivariable logistic regression to estimate the OR and their corresponding 95% CIs of the associations of food insecurity (FI) with attitudinal acceptance of physical IPVAW, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsMultivariable results indicate that severe HFI was positively associated with attitudinal acceptance physical IPVAW in at least one of the scenarios presented (aOR=1.11; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.22). Individuals experiencing severe HFI had higher odds of physical IPVAW acceptance when wife neglects the children (aOR=1.15; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.31). The likelihood of physical IPVAW acceptance if wife burns the food was lower for women experiencing moderate HFI (aOR=0.86; 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.99). Stratified analyses indicated heterogeneity in the association between HFI and attitudinal acceptance of physical IPVAW by gender.ConclusionOur findings indicate that, depending on the severity, FI status may be associated with attitudinal acceptance of physical IPVAW, with potential variations based on gender. The public health implications are discussed.
Burden of recreational water illness due to exposure to cyanobacteria and their toxins in freshwater beaches in Canada: protocol of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Young Ian , Sanchez J Johanna , Sekerciouglu Fatih , Desta Binyam N , Holeton Claire , Lyng Dylan , Peczulis Victoria , Renwick Shane , Brooks Teresa , Tustin Jordan 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionCyanobacterial blooms are increasingly common in freshwater sources used for swimming and other recreational water contact activities in Canada. Many species of cyanobacteria can produce toxins that affect human and animal health, but there are limited data on the risk of illness associated with water contact at impacted beaches.Methods and analysisThis study will investigate the incidence of recreational water illness due to exposure to cyanobacterial blooms and their toxins in four targeted and popular freshwater beaches in Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, Canada. A prospective cohort design and One Health approach will be used. On-site recruitment of recreational water users will be conducted at two beaches per year during the summers of 2024 and 2025. The population of interest includes recreational water users of any age and their pet dogs. After enrolment, an in-person survey will determine beach exposures and confounding factors, and a 3-day follow-up survey will ascertain any acute illness outcomes experienced by participants or their dogs. The target sample size is 2500 recreational water users. Water samples will be taken each recruitment day and analysed for cyanobacterial indicators (pigments), cell counts and toxin levels. Bayesian regression analysis will be conducted to estimate the association with water contact, cyanobacterial levels and risks of different acute illness outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Toronto Metropolitan University Research Ethics Board (REB 2023-461). Study results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and as infographics on a project website.
Exploring the effect of the menstrual cycle or oral contraception on elite athletes’ training responses when workload is not objectively quantifiable: the MILS approach and findings from female Olympians
Authors: De Larochelambert Quentin , Hamri Imad , Chassard Tom , Meignié Alice , Storme Florent , Dupuit Marine , Diry Allison , Toussaint Jean-François , Louis Pierre Yves , Coulmy Nicolas , Antero Juliana da Silva 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesDevelop the Markov Index Load State (MILS) model, based on hidden Markov chains, to assess athletes’ workload responses and investigate the effects of menstrual cycle (MC)/oral contraception (OC), sex steroids hormones and wellness on elite athletes’ training.MethodsOn a 7-month longitudinal follow-up, daily training (volume and perceived effort, n=2200) and wellness (reported sleep quality and quantity, fitness, mood, menstrual symptoms, n=2509) data were collected from 24 female rowers and skiers preparing for the Olympics. 51 MC and 54 OC full cycles relying on 214 salivary hormone samples were analysed. MC/OC cycles were normalised, converted in % from 0% (first bleeding/pill withdrawal day) to 100% (end).ResultsMILS identified three chronic workload response states: ‘easy’, ‘moderate’ and ‘hard’. A cyclic training response linked to MC or OC (95% CI) was observed, primarily related to progesterone level (p=8.23e-03 and 5.72e-03 for the easy and hard state, respectively). MC athletes predominantly exhibited the ‘easy’ state during the cycle’s first half (8%–53%), transitioning to the ‘hard’ state post-estimated ovulation (63%–96%). OC users had an increased ‘hard’ state (4%–32%) during pill withdrawal, transitioning to ‘easy’ (50%–60%) when on the pill. Wellness metrics influenced the training load response: better sleep quality (p=5.20e-04), mood (p=8.94e-06) and fitness (p=6.29e-03) increased the likelihood of the ‘easy’ state. Menstrual symptoms increased the ‘hard’ state probability (p=5.92e-02).ConclusionThe MILS model, leveraging hidden Markov chains, effectively analyses cumulative training load responses. The model identified cyclic training responses linked to MC/OC in elite female athletes.
Therapeutic Inhibition of
LincRNA-p21
Protects Against Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Mingming , Wang Rong , Lin Jing , Ma Qing , Guo Haipeng , Huang Huihui , Liang Zhuomin , Cao Yangpo , Zhang Xiaoran , Lu Yao Wei , Liu Jianming , Xiao Feng , Yan Hualin , Dimitrova Nadya , Huang Zhan-Peng , Mably John D. , Pu William T. , Wang Da-Zhi 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:
Cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive response to pressure overload aimed at maintaining cardiac function. However, prolonged hypertrophy significantly increases the risk of maladaptive cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Recent studies have implicated long noncoding RNAs in cardiac hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy, but their significance and mechanism(s) of action are not well understood.

METHODS:

We measured
lincRNA-p21
RNA and H3K27ac levels in the hearts of dilated cardiomyopathy patients. We assessed the functional role of
lincRNA-p21
in basal and surgical pressure-overload conditions using loss-of-function mice. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis revealed dysregulated genes and pathways. We labeled proteins in proximity to full-length lincRNA-p21 using a novel BioID2-based system. We immunoprecipitated lincRNA-p21-interacting proteins and performed cell fractionation, ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing), and co-immunoprecipitation to investigate molecular interactions and underlying mechanisms. We used GapmeR antisense oligonucleotides to evaluate the therapeutic potential of
lincRNA-p21
inhibition in cardiac hypertrophy and associated heart failure.

RESULTS:

lincRNA-p21
was induced in mice and humans with cardiomyopathy. Global and cardiac-specific
lincRNA-p21
knockout significantly suppressed pressure overload-induced ventricular wall thickening, stress marker elevation, and deterioration of cardiac function. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis and transcriptional network analysis revealed that
lincRNA-p21
acts
in trans
to stimulate the NFAT/MEF2 (nuclear factor of activated T cells/myocyte enhancer factor-2) pathway. Mechanistically, lincRNA-p21 is bound to the scaffold protein KAP1 (KRAB-associated protein-1).
lincRNA-p21
cardiac-specific knockout suppressed stress-induced nuclear accumulation of KAP1, and KAP1 knockdown attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and NFAT activation. KAP1 positively regulates pathological hypertrophy by physically interacting with NFATC4 to promote the overactive status of NFAT/MEF2 signaling. GapmeR antisense oligonucleotide depletion of lincRNA-p21 similarly inhibited cardiac hypertrophy and adverse remodeling, highlighting the therapeutic potential of inhibiting
lincRNA-p21
.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings advance our understanding of the functional significance of stress-induced long noncoding RNA in cardiac hypertrophy and demonstrate the potential of
lincRNA-p21
as a novel therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy and subsequent heart failure.
Pets of Precarity: The Agency of Excessively Cutified Companion Animals
Authors: Krylova Katya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Validated by neoliberal cultures primarily as affective laborers whose purpose is to evoke sentiment and commitment, companion species became subject to cuteness engineering. This process involves altering the biological makeup and behavioral traits of animals toward exaggerated infantilism to enable specific emotional experiences for humans. Within the framework of postmodern critical theory and cuteness studies, this research explores miniaturization and neotenization in the breeding and representation of companion animals to rethink ethical concerns tied to the production techniques and marketing of excessively miniature pets. Engaging with expertise from disciplines including human-animal studies, ethics, and industrial design, this paper considers several aesthetic and affective paradoxes of contemporary pet-making to speculate upon their role in shaping our attitudes toward nonhuman animals in general.
Deformation of Flexible Polyether Polyurethane Foams with Bimodal Cellular Structure
Authors: Dementjev A.G. 
Published: June 2024

Structural and mechanical properties of light-weight flexible polyether polyurethane foams with bimodal cellular structures are discussed. The formation of a two level cellular structure (β- and α-, respectively from 0.1 to 0.6 and from 3 to 12 mm in diameter) were considered. Compressive stress-strain curves of flexible foams with monomodal and bimodal cellular structures were evaluated for a wide range of strain rates. The Dementjev-Tarakanov 14-sided model of polyhedron structure was used in calculations using the elastic parameters method. This paper discusses research and develops a method of calculation of heterogeneity and deformation of flexible foams reviewing the results of laboratory and calculation investigations.
Thermal Conductivity of Polyurethane (PUR) Rigid Foam Boards after Storage at 23°C and 70°C
Authors: Albrecht W. , Zehendner H. 
Published: June 2024

During a special research programme at FIW in Munich the change in thermal conductivity over time (ageing) of Polyurethane rigid foam boards was studied . PUR boards with flexible diffusion open facings, such as paper and glass fleece, and blown with pentane or with HCFC 14 lb, were examined. The natural ageing at 23°C over 5 years was compared with the ageing over 25 or 39 weeks at 70°C. In summary, it was observed that the 70°C storage for 25 or 39 weeks represents a lower rate of accelerated ageing of thermal conductivity than 5 years storage at 23°C; an even lower increase was measured between weeks 25 and 39.