bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PB2 residue 473 contributes to the mammalian virulence of H7N9 avian influenza virus by modulating viral polymerase activity via ANP32A
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Liu Mingbin , Chen Hongjun , Qiu Tianyi , Jin Xuanxuan , Fu Weihui , Teng Qiaoyang , Zhao Chen , Xu Jianqing , Li Zejun , Zhang Xiaoyan 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Since the first human infection reported in 2013, H7N9 avian influenza virus (AIV) has been regarded as a serious threat to human health. In this study, we sought to identify the virulence determinant of the H7N9 virus in mammalian hosts. By comparing the virulence of the SH/4664 H7N9 virus, a non-virulent H9N2 virus, and various H7N9-H9N2 hybrid viruses in infected mice, we first pinpointed PB2 as the primary viral factor accounting for the difference between H7N9 and H9N2 in mammalian virulence. We further analyzed the
in vivo
effects of individually mutating H7N9 PB2 residues different from the closely related H9N2 virus and consequently found residue 473, alongside the well-known residue 627, to be critical for the virulence of the H7N9 virus in mice and the activity of its reconstituted viral polymerase in mammalian cells. The importance of PB2-473 was further strengthened by studying reverse H7N9 substitutions in the H9N2 background. Finally, we surprisingly found that species-specific usage of ANP32A, a family member of host factors connecting with the PB2-627 polymorphism, mediates the contribution of PB2 473 residue to the mammalian adaption of AIV polymerase, as the attenuating effect of PB2 M473T on the viral polymerase activity and viral growth of the H7N9 virus could be efficiently complemented by co-expression of chicken ANP32A but not mouse ANP32A and ANP32B. Together, our studies uncovered the PB2 473 residue as a novel viral host range determinant of AIVs via species-specific co-opting of the ANP32 host factor to support viral polymerase activity.

IMPORTANCE
The H7N9 avian influenza virus has been considered to have the potential to cause the next pandemic since the first case of human infection reported in 2013. In this study, we identified PB2 residue 473 as a new determinant of mouse virulence and mammalian adaptation of the viral polymerase of the H7N9 virus and its non-pathogenic H9N2 counterparts. We further demonstrated that the variation in PB2-473 is functionally linked to differential co-opting of the host ANP32A protein in supporting viral polymerase activity, which is analogous to the well-known PB2-627 polymorphism, albeit the two PB2 positions are spatially distant. By providing new mechanistic insight into the PB2-mediated host range determination of influenza A viruses, our study implicated the potential existence of multiple PB2-ANP32 interfaces that could be targets for developing new antivirals against the H7N9 virus as well as other mammalian-adapted influenza viruses.
mSphere of Influence: Celebrating exceptions to the rule of lipid A essentiality
Authors: Hummels Katherine R. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Kate Hummels works in the field of bacterial cell envelope biosynthesis and studies the regulation of the metabolic pathways needed to build the Gram-negative cell envelope. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the papers “A penicillin-binding protein inhibits selection of colistin-resistant, lipopoligosaccharide-deficient
Acinetobacter baumannii
” by Boll et al. and “
Caulobacter
lipid A is conditionally dispensable in the absence of
fur
and in the presence of anionic sphingolipids” by Zik et al. made an impact on her by studying organisms that deviate from accepted norms to highlight the plethora of unanswered questions in cell envelope biology.
What can patient-reported experience measures tell us about the variation in patients’ experience of prostate cancer care? A cross-sectional study using survey data from the National Prostate Cancer Audit in England
Authors: Morris Melanie , Cook Adrian , Dodkins Joanna , Price Derek , Waller Steve , Hassan Syreen , Nathan Arjun , Aggarwal Ajay , Payne Heather Ann , Clarke Noel , van der Meulen Jan , Nossiter Julie 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesA national survey aimed to measure how men with prostate cancer perceived their involvement in and decisions around their care immediately after diagnosis. This study aimed to describe any differences found by socio-demographic groups.DesignCross-sectional study of men who were diagnosed with and treated for prostate cancer.SettingThe National Prostate Cancer Audit patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) survey in England.ParticipantsMen diagnosed in 2014–2016, with non-metastatic prostate cancer, were surveyed. Responses from 32 796 men were individually linked to records from a national clinical audit and to administrative hospital data. Age, ethnicity, deprivation and disease risk classification were used to explore variation in responses to selected questions.Primary and secondary outcome measuresResponses to five questions from the PREMs survey: the proportion responding to the highest positive category was compared across the socio-demographic characteristics above.ResultsWhen adjusted for other factors, older men were less likely than men under the age of 60 to feel side effects had been explained in a way they could understand (men 80+: relative risk (RR)=0.92, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.00), that their views were considered (RR=0.79, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.87) or that they were involved in decisions (RR=0.92, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.00). The latter was also apparent for men who were not white (black men: RR=0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.98; Asian men: RR=0.85, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.96) and, to a lesser extent, for more deprived men.ConclusionsThe observed discrepancies highlight the need for more focus on initiatives to improve the experience of ethnic minority patients and those older than 60 years. The findings also argue for further validation of discriminatory instruments to help cancer care providers fully understand the variation in the experience of their patients.
Depression and anxiety symptom network structure among patients with coronary heart disease and association with quality of life: protocol for a multicentre cross-sectional and prospective longitudinal study
Authors: He Zhi-Qing , Wang Qi , Xu Chao-Yue , Yang Jing , Huang Yan-Jin 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAnxiety and depression are critical mental health problems among persons with coronary heart disease (CHD). The range of symptoms is an important stressor for adverse cardiovascular events, and these symptoms can be involved in various ways during the course of CHD. However, the characteristics and mechanisms of comorbidity between the two mental states from the viewpoint of symptom interactions in patients with CHD remain unclear. Therefore, we aim to apply a symptom-oriented approach to identify core and bridge symptoms between anxiety and depression in a population with CHD and to identify differences in network structure over time and symptomatic link profiles.Methods and analysisWe designed a multicentre, cross-sectional, longitudinal study of anxiety and depression symptoms among patients with CHD. We will evaluate degrees of symptoms using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire and the WHO Quality of Life-Brief version. Patients will be followed up for 1, 3 and 6 months after baseline measurements. We will analyse and interpret network structures using R software and its packages. The primary outcomes of interest will include centrality, bridge connections, estimates, differences in network structures and profiles of changes over time. The secondary outcome measures will be the stability and accuracy of the network. By combining cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, this study should elucidate the central and potential causative pathways among anxiety and depression symptom networks as well as their temporal stability in patients with CHD.Ethics and disseminationThe project conforms to the ethical principles enshrined in the Declaration of Helsinki (2013 amendment) and all local ethical guidelines. The ethics committee at the University of South China approved the study (Approval ID: 2023-USC-HL-414). The findings will be published and presented at conferences for widespread dissemination.Trial registration numberChiCTR2300075813.
Qualitative study on stigma as a barrier to emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda
Authors: Kabunga Amir , Kigongo Eustes , Acanga Alfred , Tumwesigye Raymond , Auma Anna Grace , Musinguzi Marvin , Kambugu Caroline Nabasirye , Okalo Ponsiano , Abal Judith Akello , Namata Halimah , Mwesigwa David 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of the current study was twofold: to understand the nature and extent of stigma and to learn the reasons behind the decision not to use emergency contraceptive pills among university students in the Lango subregion of Uganda.DesignAn exploratory qualitative study design.SettingThe study was carried out among university students in Lango subregion of Uganda.Participants40 female university students across four universities.Main outcome measuresStigma.ResultsParticipants (n=40) aged 19–26 exhibited generally positive attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills, recognising them as empowering and essential. Stigma, however, emerged as a substantial barrier manifested in societal judgements and negative perceptions. Themes included the positive attitude towards emergency contraceptive pills, perceptions of peers and the general public, and perceptions of health service providers.ConclusionStigma significantly impedes emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda. Positive attitudes towards the pills contrast with societal judgements and provider stigmatisation. Tailored interventions addressing knowledge gaps, societal perceptions and healthcare system challenges are crucial for improving emergency contraceptive pill acceptability and utilisation among university students.
Streamlining patient flow and enhancing operational efficiency through case management implementation
Authors: Al Harbi Sultanah , Aljohani Baker , Elmasry Lamiaa , Baldovino Frenk Lee , Raviz Kamille Bianca , Altowairqi Lama , Alshlowi Seetah 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundImproving patient flow in hospitals represents a worldwide healthcare challenge. The objective of this project was to depict the effectiveness of case management in improving patient flow in a tertiary hospital setting.MethodsQuality improvement methods, including quantitative pre-Lean and post-Lean design, the Plan-Do-Check-Act concept, the Single Minute Exchange of Dies and the ‘demand and supply approach’ of the Institute of Healthcare Improvement, were adapted to examine and modify factors influencing hospital patient flow.ResultsThis study (conducted from the last quarter of 2019 through September 2022) resulted in a remarkable improvement in patient flow, as evident from the reduction in average hospital length of stay (from 11.5 to 4.4 days) and average emergency department boarding time (from 11.9 to 1.2 hours) and the improvement of bed turnover rate (from 0.57 to 0.93), (p<0.001, p=0.017, p=0.038, respectively), with net cost savings of 123 130 192 million Saudi Riyals (US$32 821 239).ConclusionImplementing a well-structured case management programme can enhance care coordination, streamlilne transitions, boost patient outcomes, and increase revenues within hospital settings.
Feasibility, acceptability and impact of a clinical decision support tool among primary care providers in an urban, rural and remote site in the Philippines
Authors: Calderon Ysabela , Sandigan Gillian , Tan-Lim Carol Stephanie C , De Mesa Regine Ynez H , Fabian Noleen Marie C , Rey Mia P , Sanchez Josephine T , Dans Leonila F , Galingana Cara Lois T , Bernal-Sundiang Nannette , Casile Ray U , Aquino Maria Rhodora N , Poblete Karl Engelene , Lopez Johanna Faye E , Zabala Herbert , Dans Antonio L 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionStrengthening primary care helps address health inequities that continue to persist in the Philippines. The Philippine Primary Care Studies pilot-tested interventions to improve the primary care system. One intervention was the provision of a free subscription to an electronic decision support application called UpToDate (UTD) for primary care providers (PCPs), including doctors, nurses, midwives and community health workers (CHWs). This study aimed to (1) assess the feasibility of using UTD as information source for PCPs in urban, rural and remote settings, (2) determine the acceptability of UTD as an information source for PCPs and (3) examine the impact of UTD access on PCP clinical decision-making.MethodsFour focus group discussions (FGDs) and two key informant interviews (KII) were conducted to gather insights from 30 PCPs. Thematic analysis through coding in NVivo V.12 was done using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as a guiding framework.ResultsAll PCPs had positive feedback regarding UTD use because of its comprehensiveness, accessibility, mobility and general design. The participants relayed UTD’s benefit for point-of-contact use, capacity-building and continuing professional development. PCPs across the three sites, including CHWs with no formal medical education, were able to provide evidence-based medical advice to patients through UTD. However, external factors in these settings impeded the full integration of UTD in the PCPs’ workflow, including poor internet access, unstable sources of electricity, lack of compatible mobile devices and the need for translation to the local language.ConclusionUTD was a feasible and acceptable clinical decision support tool for the PCPs. Factors affecting the feasibility of using UTD include technological and environmental factors (ie, internet access and the lack of translation to the local language), as well as the organisational structure of the primary care facility which determines the roles of the PCPs. Despite the difference in roles and responsibilities of the PCPs, UTD positively impacted decision-making and patient education for all PCPs through its use as a point-of-contact tool and a tool for capacity-building.
Northern cod re-establish historical migration patterns linked to capelin: insights from pop-up satellite archival tags
Authors: Rose George A. , Rowe Sherrylynn 
Published: February 2024

In May 2012–2015, 90 large (85–117 cm) Northern cod ( Gadus morhua) with pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) set to release 1 year later were released from offshore spawning aggregations on the northeast Newfoundland shelf. Forty-nine (54%) transmitted or were recovered; 82% migrated inshore and 15% remained offshore (balance predated). Geo-locations were based on release, capture, and surfacing positions, and at tag-recorded depths <50 m, on Kalman-predicted light-based longitudes matched with coastal bathymetry. Migrating fish moved southwestward on average 5° longitude (350 km) and 2° latitude (222 km) to the northeast coast of Newfoundland, southern Labrador, and northern Grand Bank, as historically from similar release points. Migration onset through the Labrador Current (<0 °C) and arrival inshore were correlated with capelin ( Mallotus villosus) peak spawning, inshore duration with capelin, and cod biomass. Both species were delayed a month from historical norms. The probability of a cod remaining inshore after 1 December was 50%, which could impact time-dependent surveys. Fishing exploitation was 6% and predation 5%. Northern cod have re-established historical spatial migration patterns, with capelin a key influence on timing and duration inshore.
Historical gold mining increased metal(loid) concentrations in lake sediments from Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Sivarajah Branaavan , Campbell Linda M. , Smol John P. , Vermaire Jesse C. , Kurek Joshua 
Published: February 2024

Historical gold mining operations between the 1860s and 1940s have left substantial quantities of arsenic- and mercury-rich tailings near abandoned mines in remote and urban areas of Nova Scotia, Canada. Large amounts of materials from the tailings have entered the surface waters of downstream aquatic ecosystems at concentrations that present a risk to benthos. We used paleolimnological approaches to examine long-term trends in sedimentary metal(loid) concentrations, assess potential sediment toxicity, and determine if geochemical recovery has occurred at four lakes located downstream of three productive gold-mining districts. During the historical mining era, sedimentary total arsenic and mercury concentrations and enrichment factors increased substantially at all downstream lakes that received inputs from tailings. Similarly, chromium, lead, and zinc concentrations increased in the sediments after mining activities began and the urbanization that followed. The calculated probable effects of concentration quotients (PEC-Qs) for sediments exceeded the probable biological effects threshold (PEC-Q > 2) during the mining era. Although sedimentary metal(loid) concentrations have decreased for most elements in recent sediments, relatively higher PEC-Q and continued exceedance of Canadian Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines suggest that complete geochemical recovery has not occurred. It is likely that surface runoff from tailing fields, urbanization, and climate-mediated changes are impacting geochemical recovery trajectories.
Association of interarm blood pressure difference with selected body circumferences among Walter Sisulu University community
Authors: Mthethwa Wenzile S. , Ramoshaba Nthai E. , Mampofu Zuqaqambe M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
A high interarm blood pressure difference (IAD) has been identified as a precursor of vascular diseases. Anthropometric measures for obesity such as body circumferences including waist circumference (WC), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and neck circumference (NC) have been associated with a high IAD in Western countries. However, the prevalence of IAD and its association with body circumferences in South African communities such as universities is not well established. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the correlation of IAD with selected body circumferences among the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) community.

Methods
A total of 230 participants, 117 males and 113 females, consisting of 185 students and 45 staff members from WSU, aged 18–27 and 18–63 years respectively, participated in this cross-sectional study. The selected body circumferences: WC, MUAC, and NC were measured using standard procedures. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured in both arms simultaneously using automated machines. IAD was achieved by calculating differences in SBP and DBP between the left (L) and right (R) arms, (R -L), and getting the absolute value, L–R (|L–R|).

Results
14.78% of the participants had an interarm SBP difference (IASBPD) ≥ 10 mmHg, and 4.35% of participants had an interarm DBP difference (IADBPD) ≥ 10 mmHg.
In a Pearson’s correlation analysis, IASBPD was positively correlated with the selected body circumferences (WC, r = 0.29; P < 0.001; MUAC, r = 0.35; P < 0.001; NC, r = 0.27; P < 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (r = 0.30; P < 0.001). In the multivariable-adjusted regression analyses, IASBPD was positively associated with MUAC (adjusted R2 = 0.128, β = 0.271 (95% CI = 0.09; 0.60), P = 0.008), and NC (adjusted R2 = 0.119, β = 0.190 (95% CI = 0.01; 0.32), P = 0.032) only, adjusted for MAP, age, gender, body mass index, smoking, and alcohol. There was no association of body circumferences with IADBPD.

Conclusion
A high IAD is common among students and staff members of the WSU community. Furthermore, IAD showed a positive correlation with MUAC and NC. These body circumferences can serve as indicators of high IAD, aiding in the early detection and prevention of vascular diseases.
Deep learning segmentation of the choroid plexus from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): validation and normative ranges across the adult lifespan
Authors: Eisma Jarrod J. , McKnight Colin D. , Hett Kilian , Elenberger Jason , Han Caleb J. , Song Alexander K. , Considine Ciaran , Claassen Daniel O. , Donahue Manus J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe choroid plexus functions as the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier, plays an important role in CSF production and circulation, and has gained increased attention in light of the recent elucidation of CSF circulation dysfunction in neurodegenerative conditions. However, methods for routinely quantifying choroid plexus volume are suboptimal and require technical improvements and validation. Here, we propose three deep learning models that can segment the choroid plexus from commonly-acquired anatomical MRI data and report performance metrics and changes across the adult lifespan.MethodsFully convolutional neural networks were trained from 3D T1-weighted, 3D T2-weighted, and 2D T2-weighted FLAIR MRI using gold-standard manual segmentations in control and neurodegenerative participants across the lifespan (n = 50; age = 21–85 years). Dice coefficients, 95% Hausdorff distances, and area-under-curve (AUCs) were calculated for each model and compared to segmentations from FreeSurfer using two-tailed Wilcoxon tests (significance criteria: p < 0.05 after false discovery rate multiple comparisons correction). Metrics were regressed against lateral ventricular volume using generalized linear models to assess model performance for varying levels of atrophy. Finally, models were applied to an expanded cohort of adult controls (n = 98; age = 21–89 years) to provide an exemplar of choroid plexus volumetry values across the lifespan.ResultsDeep learning results yielded Dice coefficient = 0.72, Hausdorff distance = 1.97 mm, AUC = 0.87 for T1-weighted MRI, Dice coefficient = 0.72, Hausdorff distance = 2.22 mm, AUC = 0.87 for T2-weighted MRI, and Dice coefficient = 0.74, Hausdorff distance = 1.69 mm, AUC = 0.87 for T2-weighted FLAIR MRI; values did not differ significantly between MRI sequences and were statistically improved compared to current commercially-available algorithms (p < 0.001). The intraclass coefficients were 0.95, 0.95, and 0.96 between T1-weighted and T2-weighted FLAIR, T1-weighted and T2-weighted, and T2-weighted and T2-weighted FLAIR models, respectively. Mean lateral ventricle choroid plexus volume across all participants was 3.20 ± 1.4 cm3; a significant, positive relationship (R2 = 0.54-0.60) was observed between participant age and choroid plexus volume for all MRI sequences (p < 0.001).ConclusionsFindings support comparable performance in choroid plexus delineation between standard, clinically available, non-contrasted anatomical MRI sequences. The software embedding the evaluated models is freely available online and should provide a useful tool for the growing number of studies that desire to quantitatively evaluate choroid plexus structure and function (https://github.com/hettk/chp_seg).