bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mixed-Methods Study of Disability Self-Management in Mexican Americans With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Harrison Tracie C. , Blozis Shelley A. , Taylor Janiece , Mukherjee Nandini , Caudillo Ortega Lucia , Blanco Nancy , Garcia Alexandra A. , Brown Sharon A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Health disparities in osteoarthritis (OA) outcomes exist both in the occurrence and treatment of functional limitation and disability for Mexican Americans. Although the effect of self-management of chronic illness is well established, studies demonstrate little attention to self-management of function or disability, despite the strong potential effect on both and, consequently, on patients’ lives.

Objective
The purpose of this study pilot was to develop and test key variable relationships for a measure of disability self-management among Mexican Americans.

Methods
In this sequential, two-phased, mixed methods, biobehavioral pilot study of Mexican American women and men with OA, a culturally tailored measure of disability self-management was created, and initial relationships among key variables were explored.

Results
First, a qualitative study of 19 adults of Mexican American descent born in Texas (U.S.) or Mexico was conducted. The Mexican American Disability Self-Management Scale was created using a descriptive content analysis of interview data. The scale was tested and refined, resulting in 18 items and a descriptive frequency of therapeutic management efforts. Second, correlations between study variables were estimated: Disability and function were negatively correlated. Disability correlated positively with social support and activity effort. Disability correlated negatively with disability self-management, pain, and C-reactive protein. Function was positively correlated with age, pain, and depression. Liver enzymes (alanine transaminase) correlated positively with pain and anxiety.

Discussion
This mixed methods study indicates directions for further testing and interventions for disability outcomes among Mexican Americans.
H. pylori Infection and Hepatitis and Its Functional Abnormality in Ninawa Governorate Population, Iraq
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Arafat , Salman Samira M. , Hasan Saif Y. , Ali Jassim Fatehi , Saeed Younis Saadi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The external gastric effect of H. pylori is not restricted to the liver. In this study, we will detect this fact through the effect of this bacterial infection on the normal physiological function of the liver. The passive negative effect of Helicobacter on the liver is reflected as hepatitis. Hepatitis causes alteration in the normal physiological function of the liver on different levels, starting from the normal enzyme secretion level to the hormonal level, which is secreted by the liver to regulate the normal function of other systems. The aim of this study was to find this fact by comparing some parameters from the patient (with gastric ulcer) with those of a normal noninfected individual. The parameter is icterus in the patient as a clinical sign that reflected hepatic abnormality and hepatitis detected by a highly skilled clinician. A recent study with a case-control design connected hepatitis and its functional abnormalities in a patient with gastric ulcer who was infected by H. pylori. A total of 382 patients were included as the sample from a community of 60,000 patients in a specific area of Mosul, Iraq. The total population of this city is around 1.5 million. According to a previous study, it is estimated that 0.02% of the city population suffers from gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori. The sample was collected by highly skilled staff along with specialist clinicians. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25 by the specialized staff. We monitored the negative effect of H. pylori on different aspects of infected patients, especially hepatic inflammation and its abnormal physiological function. In this study, icterus is used as a clinical indicator for hepatic abnormalities.
Correlating Evans Index, Callosal Angle, and Lateral Ventricle Volume With Gait Response Outcomes in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Diagnosis
Authors: Rohatgi Saurabh , Dua Amol , Diociasi Andrea , Buch Karen , Avesta Arman , Ford Jeremy , Gupta Rajiv 
Published: April 2024

Objective
Radiological imaging is pivotal in diagnosing idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), given the similarity of its symptoms to other neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to correlate the Evans index (EI), callosal angle (CA), and the volume of the lateral ventricles measured before cerebrospinal fluid removal with the resultant outcomes in gait response.

Methods
In our retrospective study, we identified 42 patients with a diagnosis of iNPH. These patients underwent gait analysis, imaging, and lumbar puncture. Radiological assessments included measurements of CA EI and lateral ventricular volume. Clinically, we assessed the following 4 gait parameters: cadence, gait speed, stride length, and timed up and go. Change in the 4 gait parameters was calculated, normalized, and compiled into a composite score, following which the group was divided into ‘responders’ and ‘nonresponders’ based on z score of 0.5. Our dependent variable was clinical improvement in gait, and our independent variables included lateral ventricular volume, EI, and CA. We performed a Wilcoxon rank-sum test to compare significant responder status using CA, EI, and lateral ventricle volume. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was employed to determine which volume measurement exhibited the strongest correlation with responder status. Determining the significant variables, a chi-square analysis was subsequently conducted.
A significance threshold was set at P < 0.05. All our statistical evaluations were conducted in the Spyder environment, which is compatible with Python 3.10.

Results
There was a significant difference for responder status in EI and lateral ventricle volume. Evan index showing a statistic of 2.202 (P value = 0.02) and lateral ventricle volume demonstrating a statistic of 2.086 (P value = 0.03). Subsequent exploration using receiver operating characteristic analysis, with area under the curve of 0.71, identified 105.40 cm3 as the most robustly correlated volume threshold with responder status.

Conclusions
The lateral ventricular volume demonstrates a stronger correlation with gait improvement compared to the CA or EI. These observations indicate that evaluating the lateral ventricle volume before lumbar puncture could serve as a predictor for gait response after lumbar puncture in individuals with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Five-Year Outcomes from a Prospective Study on Safety and Efficacy of Phasix ST Mesh Use at the Hiatus During Paraesophageal Hernia Repair
Authors: McKay Sarah C , Dunst Christy M , Davila-Bradley Daniel , Reavis Kevin M , DeMeester Steven R 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:
Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair has a high hernia recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to assess the 5-year hernia recurrence rate after PEH repair using a combination of bioresorbable mesh and advanced surgical techniques to address tension as needed in a prospective group of patients.

STUDY DESIGN:
In 2016, a prospective database was established for 50 patients undergoing primary, elective PEH repair with a new bioresorbable mesh (Phasix ST). Intraoperatively, tension was addressed with Collis gastroplasty and diaphragm relaxing incisions as needed. All 50 patients from the initial study were tracked and asked to return for objective follow-up. Recurrence was considered present for any hernia more than 2 cm in size.

RESULTS:
Objective follow-up was conducted in 27 of the original 50 (54%) patients at a median of 5.25 years after their PEH repair. Before the 5-year follow-up, 5 patients had a known recurrent hernia. Objective evaluation at 5 years identified an additional 3 recurrences, for a total recurrence rate of 25% (8 of 32 patients). The hernia recurrence rate in patients with a Collis gastroplasty was significantly lower than in those without a Collis (7% vs 54%, p = 0.008). Two patients underwent reoperation for hernia recurrence. No patient had a mesh infection or mesh erosion.

CONCLUSIONS:
The combination of Phasix ST Mesh and tension-reducing techniques during PEH repair led to a 25% hernia recurrence rate at 5 years. The addition of a Collis gastroplasty led to significantly fewer hernia recurrences and is indicative of the potential for esophageal shortening in many patients with a PEH. The long-term safety and efficacy of Phasix ST Mesh in combination with surgical technique for PEH repair is confirmed.
Exploring the relationship between women’s experience of postnatal care and reported staffing measures: an observational study
Authors: Turner Lesley , Ball Jane , Culliford David , Kitson-Reynolds Ellen , Griffiths Peter 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundWomen have reported dissatisfaction with care received on postnatal wards and this area has been highlighted for improvement. Studies have shown an association between midwifery staffing levels and postnatal care experiences, but so far, the influence of registered and support staff deployed in postnatal wards has not been studied. This work is timely as the number of support workers has increased in the workforce and there has been little research on skill mix to date.MethodsCross sectional secondary analysis including 13,264 women from 123 postnatal wards within 93 hospital Trusts. Staffing was measured at organisational level as Full Time Equivalent staff, and at ward level using Care Hours Per Patient Day. Women’s experiences were assessed using four items from the 2019 national maternity survey. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine relationships and adjust for maternal age, parity, type of birth, medical staff and number of births per year in the Trust.ResultsTrusts with higher levels of midwifery staffing had higher rates of women reporting positive experiences of postnatal care. However, when staffing was measured at a ward level, there was no evidence of an association between registered staffing and patient experience. Wards with higher levels of support worker staffing were associated with higher rates of women reporting they had help when they needed it and were treated with kindness and understanding.ConclusionThe relationship between reported registered staffing levels on postnatal wards and women’s experience is uncertain. Further work should be carried out to examine why relationships observed at an organisational level were not replicated closer to the patient, at ward level. It is possible that reported staffing levels do not reflect staff as deployed if midwives are floated to cover delivery units. This study highlights the potential contribution of support workers in providing quality care on postnatal wards.
Harnessing defective interfering particles and lipid nanoparticles for effective delivery of an anti-dengue virus RNA therapy
Authors: Lin Min-Hsuan , Maniam Pramila , Li Dongsheng , Tang Bing , Bishop Cameron , Suhrbier Andreas , Wales-Earl Lucy , Tayyar Yaman , McMillan Nigel A. J. , Li Li , Harrich David 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPresently, no approved antiviral drug targets dengue virus (DENV) infection. Treatment mainly relies on supportive measures, while DENV vaccines’ efficacy varies based on factors like vaccine type, circulating DENV serotypes and vaccinated population. This study explores using defective interfering particles (DIPs) and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver an anti-DENV defective interfering RNA, known as DI290. Results showed that both DIPs and DI290 loaded LNPs (LNP-290) effectively suppressed DENV infection in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), THP-1 macrophages and human fibroblasts, representing cell types naturally targeted by DENV. Furthermore, LNP-290 demonstrated >log10inhibition of DENV viral loads in IFNAR-deficient mice, which lack functional type I interferon (IFN) receptors. DI290-mediated inhibition was also effective in IFN regulatory factor 3 and 7 double knockout mice. RNA-Seq data from LNP-treated C57BL/6J mice, IFNAR-deficient mice and human MDMs treated with LNPs or DENV DIPs illustrated DI290 treatment heightened IFN responses, particularly IFNγ, as well as IFNα/β and IFNλ. DI290 thus induces a broad range of IFN responses, with IFNγ and IFNλ providing anti-viral activity when IFNα/β responses are absent. Mice administered LNP-290 also did not manifest acute overt clinical signs. In summary, these experiments suggest DI290’s potential as a therapeutic approach for combating DENV infection.
Dimalis: A complete standalone pipeline to analyse prokaryotic cell growth from time-lapse imaging
Authors: Todorov Helena , Bentvelsen Bouke , Ugolini Stefano , Pacheco Alan R. , Convers Anthony , Miguel Trabajo Tania , van der Meer Jan Roelof 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTReal-time imaging of bacterial cell division, population growth and behaviour is essential for our understanding of microbial-catalyzed processes at the microscale. However, despite the relative ease by which high resolution imaging data can be acquired, the extraction of relevant cell features from images remains cumbersome. Here we present a versatile pipeline for automated extraction of bacterial cell features from standalone or time-resolved image series, with standardized data output for easy downstream processing. The input consist of phase-contrast images with or without additional fluorescence details, which are denoised to account for potential out-of-focus regions, and segmented to outline the morphologies of individual cells. Cells are then tracked over subsequent time frame images to provide genealogy or microcolony spatial information. We test the pipeline with eight different bacterial strains, cultured in microfluidics systems with or without nutrient flow, or on agarose miniature surfaces to follow microcolony growth. Examples of downstream processing in form of extraction of growth kinetic parameters or bistable cell differentiation are provided. The pipeline is wrapped in a Docker to facilitate installation, consistent processing and avoiding constant software updates.
Mitochondrial ATP synthesis is essential for efficient gametogenesis inPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Sparkes Penny C , Famodimu Mufuliat Toyin , Alves Eduardo , Springer Eric , Przyborski Jude , Delves Michael J 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInterrupting parasite transmission from humans to mosquitoes is vital for malaria elimination and eradication.Plasmodiummale and female gametocytes are the gatekeepers of human to mosquito transmission. Whilst dormant in the human host, their divergent roles during transmission become visually apparent soon after ingestion by the mosquito after rapid transformation into gametes – the males forming eight motile sperm-like cells that each aim to fertilise a single female gamete. Here we report that antibodies raised against PfLDH2 allow accurate identification of male gametocytes. Using this novel tool and functional mitochondrial labelling, we show that the male gametocyte mitochondrion is less active than that of female gametocytes. Rather than being a vestigial organelle discarded during male gametogenesis, we demonstrate that mitochondrial ATP synthesis is essential for male gametocytes to complete gametogenesis and inhibition leads to early arrest. Additionally, using a genetically encoded ratiometric sensor of ATP, we show that gametocytes can maintain cytoplasmic ATP homeostasis in the absence of mitochondrial respiration, indicating the essentiality of the gametocyte mitochondrion for transmission alone. Together, this reveals how gametocytes balance the conflicting energy demands of a dormant and active lifestyle and highlights the mitochondria as a rich source of transmission-blocking targets for future drug development.
PBK/TOPK mediates Ikaros, Aiolos and CTCF displacement from mitotic chromosomes and alters chromatin accessibility at selected C2H2-zinc finger protein binding sites
Authors: Dimond Andrew , Gim Do Hyeon , Ing-Simmons Elizabeth , Whilding Chad , Kramer Holger , Djeghloul Dounia , Montoya Alex , Patel Bhavik , Cheriyamkunnel Sherry , Brown Karen , Shliaha Pavel , Vaquerizas Juan M. , Merkenschlager Mathias , Fisher Amanda G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPBK/TOPK is a mitotic kinase implicated in haematological and non-haematological cancers. Here we show that the key haemopoietic regulators Ikaros and Aiolos require PBK-mediated phosphorylation to dissociate from chromosomes in mitosis. Eviction of Ikaros is rapidly reversed by addition of the PBK-inhibitor OTS514, revealing dynamic regulation by kinase and phosphatase activities. To identify more PBK targets, we analysed loss of mitotic phosphorylation events inPbk−/−preB cells and performed proteomic comparisons on isolated mitotic chromosomes. Among a large pool of C2H2-zinc finger targets, PBK is essential for evicting the CCCTC-binding protein CTCF and zinc finger proteins encoded byIkzf1,Ikzf3,Znf131andZbtb11. PBK-deficient cells were able to divide but showed altered chromatin accessibility and nucleosome positioning consistent with CTCF retention. Our studies reveal that PBK controls the dissociation of selected factors from condensing mitotic chromosomes and contributes to their compaction.
Epg5 links proteotoxic stress due to defective autophagic clearance and epileptogenesis inDrosophilaand Vici Syndrome patients
Authors: Deneubourg Celine , Salimi Dafsari Hormos , Lowe Simon , Martinez-Cotrina Aitana , Mazaud David , Park Seo Hyun , Vergani Virginia , Maroofian Reza , Averdunk Luisa , Ghayoor-Karimiani Ehsan , Jayawant Sandeep , Mignot Cyril , Keren Boris , Peters Renate , Kamath Arveen , Mattas Lauren , Verma Sumit , Silwal Arpana , Distelmaier Felix , Houlden Henry , Antebi Adam , Jepson James , Jungbluth Heinz , Fanto Manolis 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEpilepsy is a common neurological condition that arises from dysfunctional neuronal circuit control due to either acquired or innate disorders. Autophagy is an essential neuronal housekeeping mechanism, which causes severe proteotoxic stress when impaired. Autophagy impairment has been associated to epileptogenesis through a variety of molecular mechanisms. Vici Syndrome (VS) is the paradigmatic congenital autophagy disorder in humans due to recessive variants in the ectopic P-granules autophagy tethering factor 5 (EPG5) gene that is crucial for autophagosome-lysosome fusion and ultimately for effective autophagic clearance. VS is characterized by a wide range of neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neurological features, including epilepsy. Here, we usedDrosophila melanogasterto study the importance ofepg5in development, ageing, and seizures. Our data indicate that proteotoxic stress due to impaired autophagic clearance and seizure-like behaviors correlate and are commonly regulated, suggesting that seizures occur as a direct consequence of proteotoxic stress and age-dependent neurodegenerative progression inepg5 Drosophilamutants, in the absence of evident neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We provide complementary evidence fromEPG5-mutated patients demonstrating an epilepsy phenotype consistent withDrosophilapredictions and propose autophagy stimulating diets as a feasible approach to controlEPG5-related pharmacoresistant seizures.
Ribonuclease activity undermines immune sensing of naked extracellular RNA
Authors: Castellano Mauricio , Blanco Valentina , Calzi Marco Li , Costa Bruno , Witwer Kenneth , Hill Marcelo , Cayota Alfonso , Segovia Mercedes , Tosar Juan Pablo 
Published: April 2024

SUMMARYThe plasma membrane and the membrane of endosomal vesicles are considered physical barriers preventing extracellular RNA uptake. While naked RNA can be spontaneously internalized by certain cells types, functional delivery of naked RNA into the cytosol has been rarely observed. Here we show that extracellular ribonucleases, mainly derived from cell culture supplements, have so far hindered the study of extracellular RNA functionality. In the presence of active ribonuclease inhibitors (RI), naked bacterial RNA is pro-inflammatory when spiked in the media of dendritic cells and macrophages. In murine cells, this response mainly depends on the action of endosomal Toll-like receptors. However, we also show that naked RNA can perform endosomal escape and engage with cytosolic RNA sensors and ribosomes. For example, naked mRNAs encoding reporter proteins can be spontaneously internalized and translated by a variety of cell types, in an RI-dependent manner. In vivo, RI co-injection enhances the activation induced by naked extracellular RNA on splenic lymphocytes and myeloid-derived leukocytes. Furthermore, naked extracellular RNA is inherently pro-inflammatory in ribonuclease-poor compartments such as the peritoneal cavity. Overall, these results demonstrate that naked RNA is bioactive and does not need encapsulation inside synthetic or biological lipid vesicles for functional uptake, making a case for nonvesicular extracellular RNA-mediated intercellular communication.
A Cost of Illness Analysis of Children with Encephalitis Presenting to A Major Hospital in Vietnam
Authors: Huong Nguyen Hoang Thien , Toan Nguyen Duc , Khanh Truong Huu , Thinh Le Quoc , Nhan Le Nguyen Thanh , Minh Ngo Ngoc Quang , Thoa Nguyen Thi Kim , Hung Nguyen Thanh , Quy Du Tuan , Thwaites C. Louise , Irani Sarosh R , Tan Le Van , Turner Hugo C. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEncephalitis is a significant global health problem, especially in children. Knowledge of its economic burden is essential for policymakers in prioritizing the development and implementation of interventions but remains limited.MethodsAn observational study was prospectively conducted at a major children’s hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 2020 to 2022. Data on direct medical costs, direct non- medical costs and productivity costs were collected alongside demographic information, clinical features, diagnosis, severity, and outcomes of study participants. This was used to undertake a cost of illness analysis from a societal perspective.ResultsData were collected from a total of 164 paediatric patients. The mean cost of illness per case was estimated at US$2,820.43 (95% confidence interval (CI), US$2,431.96– US$3,208.91), of which productivity costs accounted for US$434.04 (95% CI, US$362.48– US$505.60). The direct costs were the main cost driver, accounting for 84.6% of the total cost of illness (US$2,386.38 (95%CI: US$2,033.91–US$2,738.85)). The cost of illness was higher in more severe patients, patients with sequelae, and ventilated patients. On average 51.8% of direct medical costs attributed to hospitalisation (US$960.09) resulted in out-of- pocket payments from the patient’s family.ConclusionsThe results showed that the cost of illness of encephalitis in children is considerable. The results will be useful for policymakers in prioritizing resources for the development and implementation of intervention strategies to reduce the burden of paediatric encephalitis.