bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytological evaluation, culture and genomics to evaluate the microbiome in healthy rabbit external ear canals
Authors: Makri Nikoleta , Ring Natalie , Shaw Darren J. , Athinodorou Athinodoros , Robinson Victoria , Paterson Gavin K. , Richardson Jenna , Gow Debbie , Nuttall Tim 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundLop‐eared rabbits may be predisposed to otitis externa (OE) as a consequence of their ear conformation. Although otoscopy, otic cytological evaluation and culture are valuable tools in dogs and cats, published data on rabbits remain lacking.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the utility of otoscopy and cytological results in evaluating healthy rabbit external ear canals (EECs) and to characterise ear cytological and microbiological findings through culture techniques and metagenomic sequencing.AnimalsSixty‐three otitis‐free client‐owned rabbits.Materials and MethodsAll rabbits underwent otoscopy and ear cytological evaluation. In a subset of 12 rabbits, further bacterial and fungal culture, fungal DNA assessment and metagenomic sequencing were performed.ResultsOtic cytological results revealed yeast in 73%, cocci in 42.9% and rods in 28.6% of healthy rabbit EECs. Compared to upright‐eared rabbits, lop‐eared rabbits had more discharge and more bacteria per oil immersion field. Culture isolated eight different species yet metagenomic sequencing identified 36, belonging to the Bacillota (Firmicutes), Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota phyla. Staphylococcus were the most commonly observed species with both methods. Ten of 12 rabbits were yeast‐positive on cytological evaluation with only three yielding fungal growth identified as Yarrowia (Candida) lipolytica, Eurotium echinulatum and Cystofilobasidium infirmominiatum.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceHealthy rabbit EECs lack inflammatory cells yet can host yeast and bacteria, emphasising the need to evaluate cytological results alongside the clinical signs. Lop‐ear anatomy may predispose to bacterial overgrowth and OE. Notably, yeasts may be present despite a negative culture.
Covert RNA viruses in medflies differ in their mode of transmission and tissue tropism
Authors: Hernández-Pelegrín Luis , Huditz Hannah-Isadora , García-Castillo Pablo , de Ruijter Norbert C. A. , van Oers Monique M. , Herrero Salvador , Ros Vera I. D. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Numerous studies have demonstrated the presence of covert viral infections in insects. These infections can be transmitted in insect populations via two main routes: vertical from parents to offspring, or horizontal between nonrelated individuals. Thirteen covert RNA viruses have been described in the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly). Some of these viruses are established in different laboratory-reared and wild medfly populations, although variations in the viral repertoire and viral levels have been observed at different time points. To better understand these viral dynamics, we characterized the prevalence and levels of covert RNA viruses in two medfly strains, assessed the route of transmission of these viruses, and explored their distribution in medfly adult tissues. Altogether, our results indicated that the different RNA viruses found in medflies vary in their preferred route of transmission. Two iflaviruses and a narnavirus are predominantly transmitted through vertical transmission via the female, while a nodavirus and a nora virus exhibited a preference for horizontal transmission. Overall, our results give valuable insights into the viral tropism and transmission of RNA viruses in the medfly, contributing to the understanding of viral dynamics in insect populations.

IMPORTANCE

The presence of RNA viruses in insects has been extensively covered. However, the study of host-virus interaction has focused on viruses that cause detrimental effects to the host. In this manuscript, we uncovered which tissues are infected with covert RNA viruses in the agricultural pest
Ceratitis capitata
, and which is the preferred transmission route of these viruses. Our results showed that vertical and horizontal transmission can occur simultaneously, although each virus is transmitted more efficiently following one of these routes. Additionally, our results indicated an association between the tropism of the RNA virus and the preferred route of transmission. Overall, these results set the basis for understanding how viruses are established and maintained in medfly populations.
Metatranscriptomic investigation of singleIxodes pacificusticks reveals diverse microbes, viruses, and novel mRNA-like endogenous viral elements
Authors: Martyn Calla , Hayes Beth M. , Lauko Domokos , Midthun Edward , Castaneda Gloria , Bosco-Lauth Angela , Salkeld Daniel J. , Kistler Amy , Pollard Katherine S. , Chou Seemay 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTTicks are increasingly important vectors of human and agricultural diseases. While many studies have focused on tick-borne bacteria, far less is known about tick-associated viruses and their roles in public health or tick physiology. To address this, we investigated patterns of bacterial and viral communities across two field populations of western black-legged ticks (Ixodes pacificus). Through metatranscriptomic analysis of 100 individual ticks, we quantified taxon prevalence, abundance, and co-occurrence with other members of the tick microbiome. In addition to commonly found tick-associated microbes, we assembled 11 novel RNA virus genomes fromRhabdoviridae,Chuviridae,Picornaviridae,Phenuiviridae,Reoviridae,Solemovidiae,Narnaviridaeand two highly divergent RNA virus genomes lacking sequence similarity to any known viral families. We experimentally verified the presence of these inI. pacificusticks across several life stages. We also unexpectedly identified numerous virus-like transcripts that are likely encoded by tick genomic DNA, and which are distinct from known endogenous viral element-mediated immunity pathways in invertebrates. Taken together, our work reveals thatI. pacificusticks carry a greater diversity of viruses than previously appreciated, in some cases resulting in evolutionarily acquired virus-like transcripts. Our findings highlight how pervasive and intimate tick–virus interactions are, with major implications for both the fundamental biology and vectorial capacity ofI. pacificusticks.IMPORTANCETicks are increasingly important vectors of disease, particularly in the United States where expanding tick ranges and intrusion into previously wild areas has resulted in increasing human exposure to ticks. Emerging human pathogens have been identified in ticks at an increasing rate, and yet little is known about the full community of microbes circulating in various tick species, a crucial first step to understanding how they interact with each and their tick host, as well as their ability to cause disease in humans. We investigated the bacterial and viral communities of the Western blacklegged tick in California and found 11 previously uncharacterized viruses circulating in this population.
Assessing the geometry of the Main Himalayan thrust in central Nepal: A thermokinematic approach
Authors: Ghoshal S. , McQuarrie N. , Robinson D.M. , Ehlers T.A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Since the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal, the relationship between the geometry of megathrusts and the control it exerts over the nucleation and propagation of major earthquakes has become an important topic of debate. In this study, we integrate new geologic mapping, a newly interpreted cross section from the Daraundi valley of central Nepal, two published cross sections from the neighboring Marsyangdi and Budhi Gandaki valleys, and a suite of 270 thermochronometric ages to create an integrated and validated three-dimensional kinematic model for the central Nepal Himalaya. We use this model to investigate the assertion that the westward propagation of the Gorkha rupture was restricted by deep-seated structures in the Main Himalayan thrust. The integrated kinematic model based on these cross sections indicates that the ~30 km southward step in the Main Central thrust system mapped in the Daraundi valley, along with the corresponding step in the distribution of reset muscovite (Ar-Ar) ages, is not the result of a lateral structure in the modern Main Himalayan thrust. Instead, the step in the surface geology is the result of a considerably shorter Trishuli thrust sheet in the Daraundi transect (~30 km compared to between 105 and 120 km in the other transects). The corresponding southward step in the distribution of reset muscovite Ar-Ar ages is the result of the Lesser Himalayan duplex being completely translated over the Main Himalayan thrust ramp, elevating and exposing rocks heated to &gt;400 °C farther south in the Daraundi transect. Our integrated model also highlights the 10–15 km of out-of-sequence thrusting that occurs on the Main Central thrust system across central Nepal. Importantly, these out-of-sequence thrusts sole directly into the modern Main Himalayan thrust ramp, and, together with the distribution of reset zircon (U-Th)/He and apatite fission track ages, show that the modern ramp is distinctly linear from east to west, with no support for a lateral structure at the ramp or to the south.
A Delphi study to assess the effect of changes in language between the first and second editions of the WHO’s Joint External Evaluation
Authors: Gigger Danique R , Mosoff Jonna Messina , Pinto Meredith , Mapatano Dawn , Mahar Michael , Minnick Anja 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionCountries use the WHO Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool—part of the WHO International Health Regulations (2005) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework—for voluntary evaluation of global health security (GHS) capacities. After releasing the JEE first edition (E1) in 2016, WHO released the JEE second edition (E2) in 2018 with language changes to multiple indicators and associated capacity levels. To understand the effect of language changes on countries’ ability to meet requirements in each edition, we conducted a Delphi study—a method where a panel of experts reach consensus on a topic through iterative, anonymous surveys—to solicit feedback from 40+ GHS experts with expertise in one or more of the 19 JEE technical areas.MethodsWe asked experts first to compare the language changes for each capacity level within each indicator and identify how these changes affected the indicator overall; then to assess the ability of a country to achieve the same capacity level using E2 as compared with E1 using a Likert-style score (1–5), where ‘1’ was ‘significantly easier’ and ‘5’ was ‘significantly harder’; and last to provide a qualitative justification for score selections. We analysed the medians and IQR of responses to determine where experts reached consensus.ResultsResults demonstrate that 14 indicators and 49 capacity levels would be harder to achieve in E2.ConclusionFindings underscore the importance of considering how language alterations impact how the JEE measures GHS capacity and the feasibility of using the JEE to monitor changes in capacity over time.
Human milk oligosaccharide 2’-fucosyllactose protects against high-fat diet-induced obesity by changing intestinal mucus production, composition and degradation linked to changes in gut microbiota and faecal proteome profiles in mice
Authors: Paone Paola , Latousakis Dimitris , Terrasi Romano , Vertommen Didier , Jian Ching , Borlandelli Valentina , Suriano Francesco , Johansson Malin E V , Puel Anthony , Bouzin Caroline , Delzenne Nathalie M , Salonen Anne , Juge Nathalie , Florea Bogdan I , Muccioli Giulio G , Overkleeft Herman , Van Hul Matthias , Cani Patrice D 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanisms by which the major human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL), can affect body weight and fat mass gain on high-fat diet (HFD) feeding in mice. We wanted to elucidate whether 2’FL metabolic effects are linked with changes in intestinal mucus production and secretion, mucin glycosylation and degradation, as well as with the modulation of the gut microbiota, faecal proteome and endocannabinoid (eCB) system.Results2’FL supplementation reduced HFD-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. These effects were accompanied by several changes in the intestinal mucus layer, including mucus production and composition, and gene expression of secreted and transmembrane mucins, glycosyltransferases and genes involved in mucus secretion. In addition, 2’FL increased bacterial glycosyl hydrolases involved in mucin glycan degradation. These changes were linked to a significant increase and predominance of bacterial generaAkkermansiaandBacteroides, different faecal proteome profile (with an upregulation of proteins involved in carbon, amino acids and fat metabolism and a downregulation of proteins involved in protein digestion and absorption) and, finally, to changes in the eCB system. We also investigated faecal proteomes from lean and obese humans and found similar changes observed comparing lean and obese mice.ConclusionOur results show that the HMO 2’FL influences host metabolism by modulating the mucus layer, gut microbiota and eCB system and propose the mucus layer as a new potential target for the prevention of obesity and related disorders.
Impact of previous treatment history and B-cell depletion treatment duration on infection risk in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Virtanen Suvi , Piehl Fredrik , Frisell Thomas 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundB-cell depletion displays striking effectiveness in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but is also associated with increased infection risk. To what degree previous treatment history, disease-modifying therapy (DMT) switching pattern and time on treatment modulate this risk is unknown. The objective here was to evaluate previous DMT use and treatment duration as predictors of infection risk with B-cell depletion.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide RRMS cohort study leveraging data from the Swedish MS registry and national demographic and health registries recording all outpatient-treated and inpatient-treated infections and antibiotics prescriptions from 1 January 2012 to 30 June 2021. The risk of infection during treatment was compared by DMT, treatment duration, number and type of prior treatment and adjusted for a number of covariates.ResultsAmong 4694 patients with RRMS on B-cell depletion (rituximab), 6049 on other DMTs and 20 308 age-sex matched population controls, we found higher incidence rates of inpatient-treated infections with DMTs other than rituximab used in first line (10.4; 95% CI 8.1 to 12.9, per 1000 person-years), being further increased with rituximab (22.7; 95% CI 18.5 to 27.5), compared with population controls (6.6; 95% CI 6.0 to 7.2). Similar patterns were seen for outpatient infections and antibiotics prescriptions. Infection rates on rituximab did not vary between first versus later line treatment, type of DMT before switch or exposure time.ConclusionThese findings underscore an important safety concern with B-cell depletion in RRMS, being evident also in individuals with shorter disease duration and no previous DMT exposure, in turn motivating the application of risk mitigation strategies.
Oral corticosteroid dosage and taper duration at onset in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease influences time to first relapse
Authors: Trewin Benjamin P , Dale Russell C , Qiu Jessica , Chu Melissa , Jeyakumar Niroshan , Dela Cruz Fionna , Andersen Jane , Siriratnam Pakeeran , Ma Kit Kwan M , Hardy Todd A , van der Walt Anneke , Lechner-Scott Jeanette , Butzkueven Helmut , Broadley Simon A , Barnett Michael H , Reddel Stephen W , Brilot Fabienne , Kalincik Tomas , Ramanathan Sudarshini 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundWe sought to identify an optimal oral corticosteroid regimen at the onset of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), which would delay time to first relapse while minimising cumulative corticosteroid exposure.MethodsIn a retrospective multicentre cohort study, Cox proportional hazards models examined the relationship between corticosteroid course as a time-varying covariate and time to first relapse. Simon-Makuch and Kaplan-Meier plots identified an optimal dosing strategy.ResultsWe evaluated 109 patients (62 female, 57%; 41 paediatric, 38%; median age at onset 26 years, (IQR 8–38); median follow-up 6.2 years (IQR 2.6–9.6)). 76/109 (70%) experienced a relapse (median time to first relapse 13.7 months; 95% CI 8.2 to 37.9). In a multivariable model, higher doses of oral prednisone delayed time to first relapse with an effect estimate of 3.7% (95% CI 0.8% to 6.6%; p=0.014) reduced hazard of relapse for every 1 mg/day dose increment. There was evidence of reduced hazard of relapse for patients dosed ≥12.5 mg/day (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.6; p=0.0036), corresponding to a 79% reduction in relapse risk. There was evidence of reduced hazard of relapse for those dosed ≥12.5 mg/day for at least 3 months (HR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.44; p=0.0012), corresponding to an 88% reduction in relapse risk compared with those never treated in this range. No patient with this recommended dosing at onset experienced a Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade >3 adverse effect.ConclusionsThe optimal dose of 12.5 mg of prednisone daily in adults (0.16 mg/kg/day for children) for a minimum of 3 months at the onset of MOGAD delays time to first relapse.
Relationship of pain relief with catastrophizing following interventional pain procedures for low back pain
Authors: Rajput Kanishka , Howie Benjamin A , Danesh Julius Araash , Zhao Xiwen , Lin Hung-Mo , Yanez David , Chow Robert 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionCatastrophizing is associated with worse pain outcomes after various procedures suggesting its utility in predicting response. However, the stability of pain catastrophizing as a static predictor has been challenged. We assess, among patients undergoing steroid injections for chronic low back pain (cLBP), whether catastrophizing changes with the clinical response to pain interventions.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled patients undergoing fluoroscopic-guided injections for cLBP. Patients filled out Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) at baseline and 1-month follow-up. We assessed the change in PCS scores from pre-injection to post-injection and examined its predictors. We also examined the correlation of various domains of BPI, such as pain severity and effect on Relationships, Enjoyment, and Mood (REM), with PCS scores at baseline and follow-up.Results128 patients were enrolled. Mean (SD) PCS and pain severity scores at baseline were 22.38 (±13.58) and 5.56 (±1.82), respectively. Follow-up PCS and pain severity scores were 19.76 (±15.25) and 4.42 (±2.38), respectively. The change in PCS pre-injection to post-injection was not significant (p=0.12). Multiple regression models revealed baseline PCS and REM domain of BPI as the most important predictors of change in PCS after injection. Pain severity, activity-related pain, age, sex, insurance status, depression, prior surgery, opioid use, or prior interventions did not predict change in PCS score. In correlation analysis, change in PCS was moderately correlated with change in pain (r=0.38), but weakly correlated with baseline pain in all pain domains.ConclusionsPCS showed non-significant improvement following steroid injections; the study was not powered for this outcome. Follow-up PCS scores were predicted by the REM domain of BPI, rather than pain severity. Larger studies are needed to evaluate a statistically significant and clinically meaningful change in catastrophizing scores following pain interventions.
Characteristics and rates of infection by HIV in people receiving non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) against HIV
Authors: Carrillo Irene , López de las Heras Marta , Martínez Silvia Calpena , Prieto-Pérez Laura , Álvarez Álvarez Beatriz , Waleed Al-Hayani Aws , Suarez-Inclan José Izuzquiza , Fernandez Sara Lumbreras , Luengo Patricia Quesada , Diaz María Elia Asensi , Bernal Palacios Marina , Mathews Paula Asensio , Bonafont Barbara Soler , Bravo Ruiz Raquel , Hernández-Segurado Marta , Górgolas Miguel , Cabello Alfonso 
Published: May 2024

Introduction/objectives
The use of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) emerges as a strategic intervention to reduce HIV infection risk following sexual encounters in our setting. Notwithstanding, there is a scarcity of contemporary data regarding adherence to this treatment, its effectiveness and tolerance. Our study aims to delve into these factors among individuals who have resorted to nPEP after high-risk sexual encounters.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational study of cases administered nPEP for HIV from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Madrid. The study included all adults over 18 years who sought care at the emergency department of the Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital following a risky sexual encounter and were subsequently recommended HIV nPEP treatment.

Results
878 individuals received nPEP for HIV and underwent initial serological tests. Of these, 621 had comprehensive follow-ups. The prescribed regimen for all was raltegravir (RAL) 1200 mg combined with tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) 245/200 mg daily for 28 days. The study revealed a 1.1% rate (n=10) of previously undetected infection and a 0.16% (n=1) failure rate of nPEP. Regarding regimen tolerability, 5.6% (n=35) experienced symptoms linked to the treatment, yet none necessitated discontinuation of the regimen. On the contrary, six per cent (n=53) reported symptoms consistent with an STI during one of the medical visits; specifically, 4.4% had urethritis, and 1.6% had proctitis.

Conclusion
nPEP with RAL/TDF/FTC demonstrates high efficacy and safety, contingent on proper adherence. There is an observed increase in STI prevalence in this cohort, with nearly half of the participants not engaging in appropriate follow-up after initiating nPEP.
Effect of health messages about “Light” and “Ultra Light” cigarettes on beliefs and quitting intent
Authors: Shiffman Saul , Pillitteri Janine L , Burton Steven L , Rohay Jeffrey M , Gitchell Joe G 
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVETo test the impact of three health messages focusing on vent holes, sensory effects of Light and Ultra Light cigarettes, or health consequences of smoking, respectively, on beliefs and quitting intentions.DESIGNIn the course of a random digit dialed telephone survey, subjects were randomised to hear one of three messages. To test the effects of the messages, beliefs and quitting intentions were assessed both pre- and post-message.PARTICIPANTSDaily smokers (n = 2120) of Regular (46%), Light (39%), and Ultra Light (15%) cigarettes in the USA. The sample was weighted to match the US smoker population on age, sex, and ethnicity.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESBeliefs were summarised on three dimensions: Safety (reduced health risk), Delivery (lower tar and nicotine delivery), and Sensation (less harsh). Quitting interest was captured by the “quit index”, an aggregate measure of quitting interest and intent.RESULTSThe message focusing on smokers' sensory perceptions of Light and Ultra Light cigarettes resulted in the most positive change in beliefs about safety, delivery, and intent to quit, and was particularly effective among those who believed that these cigarettes were less harsh. The effect was most pronounced among young adults, and among smokers of Light and Ultra Light brands who most endorsed their sensory benefits.CONCLUSIONSAddressing smokers' sensory experience that Light and Ultra Light cigarettes feel less harsh may be a promising strategy for changing their misconceptions about these cigarettes and enhancing their interest in quitting. Media counter-advertising on Lights and Ultra Lights, focusing on sensory aspects of these cigarettes, may be an important part of tobacco control efforts.