bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Greater Role of Cognitive Impairment Over Fatigue in Post-COVID-19 Quality of Life: A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kwan Angela T.H. , Lakhani Moiz , Le Gia Han , Singh Gurkaran , Teopiz Kayla M. , Guo Ziji , Ceban Felicia , Dhaliwal Kanwarpreet Kaur , Badulescu Sebastian , Ho Roger , Rhee Taeho Greg , Cao Bing , d’Andrea Giacomo , McIntyre Roger S. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPost COVID-19 Condition (PCC) is a common and debilitating condition with significant reports of fatigue and psychosocial impairment globally. The extent to which cognitive symptoms and fatigue contribute to reduced quality of life in affected individuals remains clear.MethodsThis is a post-hoc analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effect of vortioxetine on cognitive function in adults with PCC. The post-hoc analysis herein aimed to determine the overall effect of baseline cognitive function [as measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)] and baseline fatigue severity [as measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)] on baseline health-related quality of life (HRQoL) [as measured by the 5-item World Health Organisation Well-Being Index (WHO-5)].ResultsA total of 200 participants were enrolled in the primary trial. Due to missing baseline data, our statistical analysis included baseline measures of 147 individuals. Our generalized linear model analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between DSST-measured objective cognitive function and self-reported WHO-5-measured HRQoL (β = 0.069, 95% CI [0.006, 0.131],p= 0.032). In contrast, our analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between FSS and WHO-5 scores (β = -0.016, 95% CI [-0.021, –0.011],p< 0.001). The beta-coefficient ratio (βDSST/ βFSS= 0.069 / 0.016) is calculated as 4.313.ConclusionsOverall, we observed that increased cognitive function was associated with increased HRQoL at baseline in adults with PCC. Moreover, we observed that increased severity of fatigue symptoms was associated with decreased HRQoL at baseline in adults with PCC. Furthermore, we observed that an improvement in cognitive function would have a four-fold greater impact on HRQoL than the effect generated by improvement in fatigue.
Genotype-specific differences in infertile men due to loss-of-function variants inM1APorZZSgenes
Authors: Rotte Nadja , Dunleavy Jessica E.M. , Runkel Michelle D. , Fietz Daniela , Pilatz Adrian , Kuss Johanna , Dicke Ann-Kristin , Winge Sofia B. , Persio Sara Di , Ruckert Christian , Nordhoff Verena , Schuppe Hans-Christian , Almstrup Kristian , Kliesch Sabine , Neuhaus Nina , Stallmeyer Birgit , O’Bryan Moira K. , Tüttelmann Frank , Friedrich Corinna 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMale infertility and meiotic arrest have been linked toM1AP, the gene encoding meiosis I associated protein. In mice, M1AP interacts with the ZZS proteins SHOC1, TEX11, and SPO16, which promote DNA class I crossover formation during meiosis. To determine whether M1AP and ZZS proteins are involved in human male infertility by disrupting class I crossover formation, we screened for biallelic or hemizygous loss-of-function (LoF) variants in the encoding human genes to select men with a presumed protein deficiency; we compiled N=10 men forM1AP, N=4 forSHOC1, N=9 forTEX11,and the first homozygous LoF variant inSPO16in an infertile man. After in-depth characterisation of the testicular phenotype of these men, we identified gene-specific meiotic impairments: men with SHOC1, TEX11, or SPO16 deficiency shared an early meiotic arrest lacking haploid germ cells. All men with LoF variants inM1APexhibited a predominant metaphase I arrest with rare haploid round spermatids, and six men even produced sporadic elongated spermatids. These differences were explained by different recombination failures: abrogated SHOC1, TEX11, or SPO16 led to incorrect synapsis of homologous chromosomes and unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). On the contrary, abolished M1AP did not affect synapsis and DSB repair but led to a reduced number of class I crossover events. Notably, medically assisted reproduction resulted in the birth of a healthy child, offering the possibility of fatherhood to men with LoF variants inM1AP. Our study establishes M1AP as an important, but not essential, functional enhancer in the network of ZZS-mediated meiotic recombination.
Challenges in Institutional Ethical Review Process and Approval for International Multicenter Clinical Studies in Lower and Middle-Income Countries: the case of PARITY Study
Authors: Baron Eliana Lopez , Abbas Qalab , Caporal Paula , Agulnik Asya , Attebery Jonah E. , Holloway Adrian , Kissoon Niranjan “Tex” , Mulgado-Aguas Celia Isabel , Amegan-Aho Kokou , Majdalani Marianne , Ocampo Carmen , Pascal Havugarurema , Miller Erika , Kanyamuhunga Aimable , Tekleab Atnafu Mekonnen , Bacha Tigist , González Sebastian , Bhutta Adnan T. , Kortz Teresa B. , Murthy Srinivas , Remy Kenneth E. ,   the Global Health Subgroup of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators (PALISI) Network
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo describe the regulatory process, variability and challenges faced by pediatric researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) during the institutional review board (IRB) process of an international multicenter observational point prevalence study (Global PARITY).DesignA 16-question multiple-choice online survey was sent to site principal investigators (PIs) at PARITY study participating centers to explore characteristics of the IRB process, costs, and barriers to research approval. A shorter survey was employed for sites that expressed interest in participating in Global PARITY and started the approval process, but ultimately did not participate in data collection (non-participating sites) to assess IRB characteristics.SubjectsPIs from the Global PARITY StudyInterventionsNone.ResultsNinety-one sites pursued local IRB approval and 46 sites obtained IRB approval and completed data collection. Forty-six (100 %) participating centers and 21 (47%) non-participant centers completed the survey. Despite receiving approval from the study’s lead center and being categorized as a minimal risk study, 36 (78%) of the hospitals involved in PARITY study required their own full board review. There was a significant difference between participating and non-participating sites in IRB approval of a waiver consent and in the requirement for a legal review of the protocol. The greatest challenge to research identified by non-participating sites was a lack of research time and the lack of institutional support.ConclusionsGlobal collaborative research is crucial to increase our understanding of pediatric critical care conditions in hospitals of all resource-levels and IRBs are required to ensure that this research complies with ethical standards. Critical barriers restrict research activities in some resource limiting countries. Increasing the efficiency and accessibility of local IRB review could greatly impact participation of resource limited sites and enrollment of vulnerable populations.
The Adequacy of ANC services received and associated factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Tanzania
Authors: Tibenderana Jovin R. , Kessy Sanun Ally , Mlaponi Dosanto Felix , Mtenga John Elyas , Gimonge Jomo , Mwaitete Ndinagwe Lloyd , Moshi Fabiola V 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundANC continues to be a vital and crucial component of care for expectant mothers and their unborn children, not only by lowering maternal mortality but also perinatal deaths and connecting them to postnatal treatment. There are limited information about the adequate Antenatal Care (ANC) services coverage, therefore this study aimed at examining the proportion of ANC services coverage, distribution pattern and its associated factors obtained by women of reproductive age (WRA) in Tanzania.MethodsThis was analytical cross-sectional study among women of reproductive age in Tanzania, utilizing data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) 2022. Analysis considered the complex survey design through application of weights, clustering and strata. Modified Poisson regression models estimated the factors associated with adequate reception of ANC services among WRA in Tanzania. All analyses were performed in STATA software version 18.ResultsThe proportion of WRA who had received adequate ANC component coverage was 41%. Distribution of ANC contents ranged from 0.5% to 41% for none to seven services respectively. Almost all women (96.1%) had their baby’s heartbeat checked. Various factors such as education, wealth index, age, residence, number of ANC visits and birth order were significantly associated with uptake of ANC services among WRA in Tanzania.ConclusionThe overall findings suggest a notable disparity in the utilization of ANC services, as fewer than half of women of reproductive age (WRA) are receiving sufficient ANC coverage. Therefore, integrated approaches involving health care facilities and communities, innovative strategies targeting young adults, and strengthening the policy of four or more ANC visits with regular monitoring and data collection are recommended to improve ANC access, utilization, and alignment with WHO guidelines.
The prognostic value of mean platelet volume in patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Galimzhanov Akhmetzhan , Naung Tun Han , Sabitov Yersin , Perone Francesco , Kursat Tigen Mustafa , Tenekecioglu Erhan , Mamas Mamas A 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundMean platelet volume (MPV) is a widely available laboratory index, however its prognostic significance in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is still unclear. We intended to investigate and pool the evidence on the prognostic utility of admission MPV in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with CAD.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were the major databases used for literature search. The risk of bias was assessed using the quality in prognostic factor studies. We used random-effects pairwise analysis with the Knapp and Hartung approach supported further with permutation tests and prediction intervals (PIs).ResultsWe identified 52 studies with 47066 patients. A meta-analysis of 9 studies with 14,864 patients demonstrated that 1 femtoliter increase in MPV values was associated with a rise of 29% in the risk of long-term mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-1.37) in CAD as a whole. The results were further supported with PIs, permutation tests and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses. MPV also demonstrated its stable and significant prognostic utility in predicting long-term mortality as a linear variable in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.20-1.39, and 1.29, 95% CI 1.19-1.39, respectively).ConclusionThe meta-analysis found robust evidence on the link between admission MPV and the increased risk of long-term mortality in patients with CAD patients, as well as in patients who underwent PCI and patients presented with ACS.PROSPERO numberCRD42023495287
Association between Insomnia Symptoms and Risk of Heart Failure: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Gao Juan , Han Le , Cao Hong-Shuai , Luo Xiao-Qin , Xu Li-Yue , Zhou Ying , Lian Zhe-Xun , Ren Jing-Yi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundInsomnia, as one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, is frequently linked to Heart failure (HF). However, the precise relationship and potential risk of HF events associated with insomnia and subtypes of symptoms necessitate further investigation.ObjectiveThis updated meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the associations between HF and various insomnia symptoms, including difficulty initiating sleep (DIS), difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS), early-morning awakening (EMA) and non-restorative sleep (NRS).MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify prospective cohort studies from inception to October 2023. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the correlation between insomnia and the risk of HF. Funnel plots and Egger’s tests were employed to assess publication bias.ResultsA total of 177,008 patients from seven eligible prospective cohort studies were included. The pooled minimally adjusted HR for HF was 1.26 (95% CI:1.09-1.45;P=0.001), indicating that insomnia was associated with increased risk of HF. Among the individual insomnia symptoms, only DIS showed a positive association with risk of HF (HR:1.14, 95% CI:1.04-1.25;P=0.005). DMS and NRS had no significant effect on the risk of HF (P>0.05). In the subgroup analysis including age, sex and BMI, there were no significant differences between each group.ConclusionThis meta-analysis confirms the link between insomnia and an increased risk of HF, particularly highlighting the importance of DIS as a potential predictor for HF.Clinical PerspectiveWhat is new?Insomnia is ubiquitous and seriously affects people’s normal work, life, and health. At present, prospective cohort studies have suggested that insomnia can increase the risk of heart failure (HF). However, in our meta-analysis, we firstly found that only Difficulty Initiating Sleep (DIS) was directly associated with an increased HF incidence, rather than other insomnia subtypes. This is a very interesting which suggests that DIS has a greater impact on the incident of HF. In addition, this points us that in the subsequent treatment of insomnia, maybe we should pay more attention to the treatment of DIS.What are the clinical implications?As insomnia symptoms can be assessed and identified early and are relatively manageable, the study of the relationship between insomnia and HF has potential important clinical significance. If further research confirms that the improvement of insomnia symptoms, especially DIS symptoms, contributes to the prevention of HF or the prognosis of HF patients, it will provide another new “track” for the prevention and treatment of HF.
Discovery and chemical optimisation of a Potent, Bi-cyclic (Bicycle®) Antimicrobial Inhibitor ofEscherichia coliPBP3
Authors: Rowland Catherine E. , Newman Hector , Martin Tazmin T. , Dods Rachel , Bournakas Nikolaos , Wagstaff James M. , Lewis Nick , Stanway Steven J. , Balmforth Matthew , Kessler Celia , van Rietschoten Katerine , Bellini Dom , Roper David I. , Lloyd Adrian J. , Dowson Christopher G. , Skynner Michael J. , Beswick Paul , Dawson Michael J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPenicillin binding proteins (PBPs) are well validated antimicrobial targets, but the prevalence of β-lactamase driven resistance and, more rarely, target-based mutations, necessitates new classes of PBP-targeting drugs. Here we describe the discovery and optimisation of novel, bicyclic peptide (Bicycle®) inhibitors ofE. coliPBP3 (EcPBP3) using a proprietary phage display platform, and their conjugation to linear antimicrobial peptides to confer outer membrane permeation. These molecules exhibited high-affinity binding toE. coliPBP3 and a viable spectrum of killing activity against clinically relevant species of the Enterobacterales. X-ray crystallography was used to explore the mode of binding to PBP3, enabling increased target affinity and improvement ofin vitrostability. These compounds bind to the transpeptidase active site cleft of PBP3 and represent a novel non-β-lactam chemical class of high affinity, non-covalent penicillin binding protein inhibitors.
Archaeogenetic analysis revealed East Eurasian paternal origin to the Aba royal family of Hungary
Authors: Varga Gergely I B , Maróti Zoltán , Schütz Oszkár , Maár Kitti , Nyerki Emil , Tihanyi Balázs , Váradi Orsolya , Ginguta Alexandra , Kovács Bence , Kiss Petra , Dosztig Monika , Gallina Zsolt , Török Tibor , Szabó János B. , Makoldi Miklós , Neparáczki Endre 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Aba family played a pivotal role in the early history of Medieval Hungary dominating extensive territories and giving rise to influential figures. We conducted an archaeogenetic examination of remains uncovered at the necropolis in Abasár, the political centre of the Aba clan, to identify Aba family members and shed light on their genetic origins. Utilizing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data from 19 individuals, complemented by radiocarbon measurements, we identified 6 members of the Aba family who shared close kinship relations. Our analysis revealed that 4 males from this family carried identical N1a1a1a1a4∼ haplogroups. Significantly, our phylogenetic investigation traced this royal paternal lineage back to Mongolia, strongly suggesting its migration to the Carpathian Basin with the conquering Hungarians. Genome analysis, incorporating ADMIXTURE, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and qpAdm, revealed East Eurasian patterns in the studied genomes, consistent with our phylogenetic results. Shared Identity by Descent (IBD) analysis confirmed the family kinship relations and shed light on further external kinship connections. It revealed that members of the Aba family were related to members of prominent Hungarian medieval noble families the Árpáds, Báthorys and Corvinus as well as to the first-generation immigrant elite of the Hungarian conquest.
Decreased cerebral blood flow in a supine position in patients with a history of syncope and presyncope during the Tilt Table Test
Authors: Cano V , González-Hermosillo JA , Murata Ch , Martínez-Rosas M , Hernández-Pacheco G 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the hemodynamic response, cerebral blood flow, and the sympathovagal balance between patients with structurally healthy hearts who have a history of syncope and presyncope that exhibited signs or symptoms of presyncope without progressing to syncope during the tilt-table test, and a healthy group.MethodologyA retrospective study was conducted on patients attending the dysautonomia clinic of a tertiary care center. Individuals of both sexes aged 15 to 50 years were included. Patients with positive tests for VVS, OH, or POTS, and those with negative results were excluded. As a healthy group, healthy volunteers without a personal history of syncope or presyncope and with a negative tilt-table test were included.Statistical AnalysisCategorical variables were expressed as percentages and quantitative variables as mean ± standard deviation. Repeated measures ANOVA, the χ2 test, and effect size using Glass’s Δ were used for group comparisons. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The R software, RStudio, and the effsize package were used for analysis.ResultsThe main finding was a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow secondary to an increase in cerebral vascular resistance in patients from a supine position at the start and throughout the test, compared to the control group.ConclusionThe analysis of cerebral hemodynamics allows for the identification of a subpopulation of patients who exhibit decreased cerebral blood flow from a supine position during the tilt-table test while maintaining cardiovascular stability without progressing to syncope.
Stable, multigenerational transmission of the bean seed microbiome despite abiotic stress
Authors: Sulesky-Grieb Abby , Simonin Marie , Bintarti A. Fina , Marolleau Brice , Barret Matthieu , Shade Ashley 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSeed microbiomes initiate plant microbiome assembly, but the consequences of environmental conditions of the parent plant for seed microbiome assembly and transmission are unknown. We tracked endophytic seed bacterial communities of common bean lines exposed to drought or excess nutrients, and discovered stable transmission of 22 bacterial members regardless of parental plant treatment. This study provides insights into the maintenance of plant microbiomes across generations, even under challenging environmental stress.
The branched receptor binding complex ofAckermannviridaephages promotes adaptative host recognition
Authors: Sørensen Anders Nørgaard , Woudstra Cedric , Kalmar Dorottya , Poppeliers Jorien , Lavigne Rob , Sørensen Martine Camilla Holst , Brøndsted Lone 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBacteriophages may express multiple receptor binding proteins, enabling the recognition of distinct and diverse bacterial receptors for infection of a broad range of strains.Ackermannviridaephages recognize diverse O-antigens or K-antigens as receptors by expressing multiple tail spike proteins (TSPs). These TSPs interact and form a branched protein complex protruding from the baseplate attached to the distal tail. Here, we aimed to mimic the evolution of the TSP complex by studying the acquisition of new TSPs without disrupting the functionality of the complex. Using kuttervirus phage S117 as a backbone, we demonstrated the acquisition of entiretspgenes fromKuttervirusandAgtrevirusphages within theAckermannviridaefamily. A fifth TSP was designed to interact with the complex and provide new host recognition to expand the branched TSP complex. Interestingly, the acquisition oftsp5resulted in new variants of the branched TSP complex due to the exchange or deletion oftspgenes. Overall, our study provides novel insight into the development of the branched TSP complex, enablingAckermannviridaephages to adapt to new hosts.
Human CCDC51 and yeast Mdm33 are functionally conserved mitochondrial inner membrane proteins that demarcate a subset of organelle fission events
Authors: Edington Alia R. , Connor Olivia M. , Marlar-Pavey Madeleine , Friedman Jonathan R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMitochondria are highly dynamic double membrane-bound organelles that exist in a semi- continuous network. Mitochondrial morphology arises from the complex interplay of numerous processes, including opposing fission and fusion dynamics and the formation of highly organized cristae invaginations of the inner membrane. While extensive work has examined the mechanisms of mitochondrial fission, it remains unclear how fission is coordinated across two membrane bilayers and how mitochondrial inner membrane organization is coupled with mitochondrial fission dynamics. Previously, the yeast protein Mdm33 was implicated in facilitating fission by coordinating with inner membrane homeostasis pathways. However, Mdm33 is not conserved outside fungal species and its precise mechanistic role remains unclear. Here, we use a bioinformatic approach to identify a putative structural ortholog of Mdm33 in humans, CCDC51 (also called MITOK). We find that the mitochondrial phenotypes associated with altered CCDC51 levels implicate the protein in mitochondrial fission dynamics. Further, using timelapse microscopy, we spatially and temporally resolve Mdm33 and CCDC51 to a subset of mitochondrial fission events. Finally, we show that CCDC51 can partially rescue yeast Δmdm33cells, indicating the proteins are functionally analogous. Our data reveal that Mdm33/CCDC51 are conserved mediators of mitochondrial morphology and suggest the proteins play a crucial role in maintaining normal mitochondrial dynamics and organelle homeostasis.