bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apparent diffusion coefficient values of the white matter in magnetic resonance imaging of the neonatal brain may help predict outcome in congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Vande Walle Caroline , Keymeulen Annelies , Oostra Anna , Schiettecatte Eva , Dhooge Ingeborg , Smets Koenraad , Herregods Nele 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
White matter change is a well-known abnormality in congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection, but grading remains challenging and clinical relevance unclear.

Objective
To investigate if quantitative measurement of white matter apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neonatal brain can predict outcome in cCMV.

Materials and methods
A retrospective, single-center observational study, including patients with cCMV who had a neonatal brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging, was performed between 2007 and 2020. Regions of interest were systematically placed in the white matter on the ADC maps. Two pediatric radiologists independently scored additional brain abnormalities. Outcome measures were neonatal hearing and cognitive and motor development. Statistical analysis included simple and penalized elastic net regression.

Results
Neonatal brain MRI was evaluated in 255 patients (median age 21 days, 25–75 percentiles: 14–28 days, 121 male). Gyral abnormalities were noted in nine patients (3.5%), ventriculomegaly in 24 (9.4%), and subependymal cysts in 58 (22.7%). General white matter ADC was significantly higher in patients with neonatal hearing loss and cognitive and motor impairment (P< 0.05). For neonatal hearing loss, simple logistic regression using only general white matter was the best prediction model, with a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC)=0.76. For cognitive impairment, interacting elastic net regression, including other brain abnormalities and frontoparietal white matter ADC, performed best, with AUC=0.89. For motor impairment, interacting elastic net regression, including other brain abnormalities and deep anterior frontal white matter performed best, with AUC=0.73.

Conclusion
Neonatal white matter ADC was significantly higher in patients with clinical impairments. Quantitative ADC measurement may be a useful tool for predicting clinical outcome in cCMV.

Graphical Abstract
Pathway crosstalk between the central metabolic and heme biosynthetic pathways in Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Miura Daisuke , Tsurigami Ryoga , Kato Hiroyuki , Wariishi Hiroyuki , Shimizu Motoyuki 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A comprehensive analysis to survey heme-binding proteins produced by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium was achieved using a biotinylated heme–streptavidin beads system. Mitochondrial citrate synthase (PcCS), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (PcGAPDH), and 2-Cys thioredoxin peroxidase (mammalian HBP23 homolog) were identified as putative heme-binding proteins. Among these, PcCS and PcGAPDH were further characterized using heterologously expressed recombinant proteins. Difference spectra of PcCS titrated with hemin exhibited an increase in the Soret absorbance at 414 nm, suggesting that the axial ligand of the heme is a His residue. The activity of PcCS was strongly inhibited by hemin with Ki oxaloacetate of 8.7 μM and Ki acetyl-CoA of 5.8 μM. Since the final step of heme biosynthesis occurred at the mitochondrial inner membrane, the inhibition of PcCS by heme is thought to be a physiological event. The inhibitory mode of the heme was similar to that of CoA analogues, suggesting that heme binds to PcCS at His347 at the AcCoA–CoA binding site, which was supported by the homology model of PcCS. PcGAPDH was also inhibited by heme, with a lower concentration than that for PcCS. This might be caused by the different location of these enzymes. From the integration of these phenomena, it was concluded that metabolic regulations by heme in the central metabolic and heme synthetic pathways occurred in the mitochondria and cytosol. This novel pathway crosstalk between the central metabolic and heme biosynthetic pathways, via a heme molecule, is important in regulating the metabolic balance (heme synthesis, ATP synthesis, flux balance of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and cellular redox balance (NADPH production) during fungal aromatic degradation.

Key points
• A comprehensive survey of heme-binding proteins in P. chrysosporium was achieved.
• Several heme-binding proteins including CS and GAPDH were identified.
• A novel metabolic regulation by heme in the central metabolic pathways was found.
Discovery and biochemical characterization of thermostable glycerol oxidases
Authors: Santema Lars L. , Rotilio Laura , Xiang Ruite , Tjallinks Gwen , Guallar Victor , Mattevi Andrea , Fraaije Marco W. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Alditol oxidases are promising tools for the biocatalytic oxidation of glycerol to more valuable chemicals. By integrating in silico bioprospecting with cell-free protein synthesis and activity screening, an effective pipeline was developed to rapidly identify enzymes that are active on glycerol. Three thermostable alditol oxidases from Actinobacteria Bacterium, Streptomyces thermoviolaceus, and Thermostaphylospora chromogena active on glycerol were discovered. The characterization of these three flavoenzymes demonstrated their glycerol oxidation activities, preference for alkaline conditions, and excellent thermostabilities with melting temperatures higher than 75 °C. Structural elucidation of the alditol oxidase from Actinobacteria Bacterium highlighted a constellation of side chains that engage the substrate through several hydrogen bonds, a histidine residue covalently bound to the FAD prosthetic group, and a tunnel leading to the active site. Upon computational simulations of substrate binding, a double mutant targeting a residue pair at the tunnel entrance was created and found to display an improved thermal stability and catalytic efficiency for glycerol oxidation. The hereby described alditol oxidases form a valuable panel of oxidative biocatalysts that can perform regioselective oxidation of glycerol and other polyols.

Key points
• Rapid pipeline designed to identify putative oxidases
• Biochemical and structural characterization of alditol oxidases
• Glycerol oxidation to more valuable derivatives

Graphical Abstract
Potassium sodium hydrogen citrate intervention on gut microbiota and clinical features in uric acid stone patients
Authors: Cao Cheng , Li Feng , Ding Qi , Jin Xiaohua , Tu Wenjian , Zhu Hailiang , Sun Mubin , Zhu Jin , Yang Dongrong , Fan Bo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The high recurrence rate of renal uric acid stone (UAS) poses a significant challenge for urologists, and potassium sodium hydrogen citrate (PSHC) has been proven to be an effective oral dissolution drug. However, no studies have investigated the impact of PSHC on gut microbiota and its metabolites during stone dissolution therapy. We prospectively recruited 37 UAS patients and 40 healthy subjects, of which 12 patients completed a 3-month pharmacological intervention. Fasting vein blood was extracted and mid-stream urine was retained for biochemical testing. Fecal samples were collected for 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content determination. UAS patients exhibited comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, gout, and dyslipidemia. The richness and diversity of the gut microbiota were significantly decreased in UAS patients, Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were dominant genera while Subdoligranulum and Bifidobacterium were poorly enriched. After PSHC intervention, there was a significant reduction in stone size accompanied by decreased serum uric acid and increased urinary pH levels. The abundance of pathogenic bacterium Fusobacterium was significantly downregulated following the intervention, whereas there was an upregulation observed in SCFA-producing bacteria Lachnoclostridium and Parasutterella, leading to a significant elevation in butyric acid content. Functions related to fatty acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism within the microbiota showed upregulation following PSHC intervention. The correlation analysis revealed a positive association between stone pathogenic bacteria abundance and clinical factors for stone formation, while a negative correlation with SCFAs contents. Our preliminary study revealed that alterations in gut microbiota and metabolites were the crucial physiological adaptation to PSHC intervention. Targeted regulation of microbiota and SCFA holds promise for enhancing drug therapy efficacy and preventing stone recurrence.

Key points
• Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were identified as dominant genera for UAS patients
• After PSHC intervention, Fusobacterium decreased and butyric acid content increased
• The microbiota increased capacity for fatty acid synthesis after PSHC intervention
Belastungsbezogene Störungen in der ICD-11
Authors: Eberle David J. , Maercker Andreas 
Published: January 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund und Methode
Die 11. Version der Internationalen Statistischen Klassifikation der Krankheiten und verwandter Gesundheitsprobleme (ICD-11) hat im Bereich der psychischen Störungen diverse Neuerungen implementiert, wie z. B. die Einführung der belastungsbezogenen Störungen als neue Störungsgruppe. Darin enthalten sind u. a. die posttraumatische Belastungsstörung (PTBS), die komplexe PTBS (KPTBS), die anhaltende Trauerstörung und die Anpassungsstörung. Das Ziel dieses Beitrages ist es, die genannten Störungsbilder differenziert darzustellen und wichtige Neuerungen im Vergleich zur ICD-10 herauszuarbeiten.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion
Die PTBS und die Anpassungsstörung wurden in der ICD-11 neu konzeptualisiert und sind im Vergleich zur ICD-10 vereinfacht und spezifischer definiert. Die KPTBS stellt ein neues Störungsbild dar, das in ihrer Psychopathologie über die PTBS hinausgeht und eine sog. Störung der Selbstorganisation aufweist. Auch die anhaltende Trauerstörung wurde in der ICD-11 neu eingeführt und besitzt ein für Personen in Trauer spezifisches Störungsprofil.
Potential role of camel, mare milk, and their products in inflammatory rheumatic diseases
Authors: Kocyigit Emine , Abdurakhmanov Ruslan , Kocyigit Burhan Fatih 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMilk and dairy products serve as a significant dietary component for people all over the world. Milk is a source of essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fats, and water that support newborns' growth, development, and physiological processes. Milk contains various essential biological compounds that contribute to overall health and well-being. These compounds are crucial in immune system regulation, bone health, and gut microbiota. Milk and dairy products are primarily from cows, buffalos, goats, and sheep. Recently, there has been a notable increase in camel and mare milk consumption and its associated products due to an increasing attraction to ethnic cuisines and a greater awareness of food biodiversity. Camel and mare milk possess diverse nutritional and therapeutic properties, displaying potential functional foods. Camel milk has been linked to various health advantages, encompassing antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiallergic, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Camel milk has exhibited notable efficacy in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for inflammatory disorders. Nevertheless, although extensively recorded, the potential health benefits of mare's milk have yet to be investigated, including its impact on inflammatory conditions. This article highlights the therapeutic potential of camel and mare milk and its derived products in treating inflammatory rheumatic disorders, specifically focusing on their anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory capabilities. These alternative types of milk, which do not come from cows, offer potential avenues for investigating innovative strategies to regulate and reduce inflammatory conditions.
Low incidence of BRAF and NRAS mutations in a population with a high incidence of melanoma
Authors: Neville Grace , Marzario Barbara , Shilling David , Hand Collette K , Heffron Cynthia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractReported rates of BRAF mutation in Irish cutaneous melanoma cohorts are lower than the reported international data. We aimed to assess the mutational status of a cohort of primary cutaneous melanomas and to correlate it with clinical follow-up data.A total of 92 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma diagnosed at a single institution in 2012 were analyzed. Regions containing common mutations in the BRAF, NRAS, KIT, and KRAS genes were investigated by PCR amplification followed by Sanger sequencing. Demographic details, tumor characteristics, and 10-year outcome data were also obtained.Ten cases with BRAF V600E mutations (11.6%) and five (5.49%) NRAS mutations (4 at Q61R, 1 at Q61K) were detected. No statistically significant differences were noted between groups for age, gender, depth of invasion, nodal status, or recurrence status (p ≥ 0.05).These findings suggest that the Irish population has a markedly lower incidence of BRAF and NRAS mutations in melanoma than those reported in other cohorts.
Plasma levels of neurogenic inflammation related neuropeptides in pediatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia and their potential diagnostic value in distinguishing viral and bacterial pneumonia
Authors: Bekdas Mervan , Saygi Bilgi , Kilinc Yasemin Baranoglu , Kilinc Erkan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNeurogenic inflammation is involved in the development and progression of respiratory inflammatory diseases. However, its role in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains unclear. We therefore aimed to investigate plasma levels of neurogenic inflammation-related neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), and procalcitonin (PCT) in pediatric patients with CAP and to assess their diagnostic value in viral and bacterial/mixed pneumonia. A total of 124 pediatric patients with CAP (1 month-18 years old) and 56 healthy children of similar ages were prospectively enrolled. The patients were classified as viral (n = 99) and bacterial/mixed (n = 25) pneumonia. Plasma levels of the peptides were quantified by ELISA. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate possible diagnostic value of the peptides. While plasma levels of CGRP, VIP and PCT were significantly higher in patients with CAP than in the control group, respectively, NPY levels were significantly lower. Moreover, plasma levels of all neuropeptides and PCT were significantly higher in bacterial pneumonia patients compared to viral pneumonia patients. ROC analysis revealed that CGRP, SP and NPY had a diagnostic value in distinguishing viral and bacterial/mixed pneumonia.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that these neuropeptides may be implicated in pediatric CAP. CGRP, SP and NPY together may be a promising candidate in distinguishing viral and bacterial/mixed pneumonia, however, for this, further studies are needed.

What is Known:• Neurogenic inflammation contributes to the development and progression of respiratory inflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma.

What is New:• Plasma levels of neurogenic inflammation related neuropeptides calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide and neuropeptide Y are changed in pediatric community-acquired pneumonia. Calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P and neuropeptide Y are promising candidates in distinguishing viral and bacterial/mixed pneumonia.
The pelvic girdle in extant gonorynchiformes (Teleostei: Otomorpha)
Authors: Koch Ann-Katrin , Moritz Timo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOtophysi is one of the most important fish taxa of the world, as they make up for roughly 28% of all fish species and about two-thirds of all freshwater species worldwide. To understand their success and evolutionary history their sister-group, the Gonorynchiformes, take a key-position, e.g., for reconstructing morphological conditions in the latest common ancestors. Gonorynchiformes comprising only 40 species and have been often studied for that reason. Their pelvic girdle, however, got only little attention so far. Therefore, we studied this structure in extant gonorynchiforms and described the ontogeny in Kneria stappersii. In gonorynchiforms: (1) their basipterygium is principally flat (without dorsal or ventral projections) and placed in horizontal position, (2) has a ‘simple’ shape, i.e., it has only a single anterior process with small cartilaginous tips and becomes wider in its posterior part with a medial portion connecting to the basipterygium of the other side; (3) three radials and a pelvic splint are present, and (4) a prominent posterior process is missing. Although, the morphological situation is a lot similar as seen in clupeiforms and alepocephaliforms. Therefore, these characters have likely been present in the stem of Otomorpha, Ostariophysi, and Otophysi, but within the latter taxon eventually, a higher diversity of pelvic girdle morphology arose during evolution.
An asymptotic formulation for boundary value problems in a non-local elastic half-space
Authors: Şahin Onur 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe primary purpose of this study is to develop an asymptotic formulation for boundary value problems in a non-local elastic half-space. For the sake of simplicity, the non-locality is limited to the vertical direction, which is represented by a one-dimensional exponential kernel, and the problem is formulated within the framework of Eringen’s theory. The proposed asymptotic approach is based on the assumption that the internal characteristic length is significantly smaller than a typical wavelength. This assumption allows for the development of an asymptotic formulation that expresses the considered boundary value problem in terms of local stresses. Additionally, the formulation includes explicit correction terms to the classical boundary conditions, which arise from the non-local effects. As an example application of the derived formulation, the Rayleigh surface waves in a plane strain problem are considered. Finally, numerical results are presented for certain specific values of elastic parameters to illustrate the effects of non-locality on the analyzed system.
Examining the changes in women's lives after the hysterectomy operation: Experiences of women from Turkey
Authors: Turan Ayşenur , Karabayır Hilal Başak , Kaya İffet Güler 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the study is to examine what kind of changes the operation has brought about in the social and psychological life of women.

Methods
The study was a hermeneutic-phenomenological research conducted using qualitative research methods. It took place between May and July 2023 at a university hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey. Following ethical approval, the study included a total of 24 women who had undergone a 'total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.' These participants were selected using a combination of maximum diversity sampling and random sampling methods.
Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured interview form. The interviews were conducted using face-to-face interview techniques and in-depth interview methods. Qualitative data analysis involved using the coding paradigm of Grounded Theory and Straus and Corbin's coding framework. For the analysis of quantitative data, SPSS version 28.0 was employed, while qualitative data were analyzed using MaxQDA Analytics Pro 2022.

Results
The study found that the participants had a mean age of 47 ± 7.53, and the majority, 66.7%, had not reached menopause before the operation. The qualitative analysis of the semi-structured interviews revealed five main themes, which were identified as follows: 'hysterectomy experiences', 'the impact of hysterectomy on sexual life', 'the significance attributed to the uterus', 'the significance attributed to femininity', and 'self-efficacy after hysterectomy'.

Conclusions
The study revealed that women experienced changes in self-perception, body image, a sense of organ loss, and developed negative attitudes towards menopause following a hysterectomy. Additionally, there was a noticeable connection between the meanings attributed to the uterus and femininity, which was often influenced by cultural and social factors. In light of these findings, it is recommended that women receive counseling from healthcare professionals before undergoing a hysterectomy. This guidance can help women better understand and cope with the physical, emotional, and cultural aspects of the procedure.
The TsiogkaSpaeth grid for detection of neurological visual field defects: a validation study
Authors: Tsiogka Anastasia , Moster Mark L. , Chatzistefanou Klio I. , Karmiris Efthymios , Samoli Evangelia , Giachos Ioannis , Droutsas Konstantinos , Papaconstantinou Dimitrios , Spaeth George L. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The TsiogkaSpaeth (TS) grid is a new, low-cost, and easy to access portable test for visual field (VF) screening which could be used by clinicians in everyday clinical practice. Our study aimed to determine the validity of an innovative screening grid test for identifying neurological disease-associated VF defects.

Methods
We enrolled two groups of participants: We assessed the one eye of ten consecutive adult patients with different types of neurological disease associated VF defects and ten eyes of controls in each group. The TS grid test was performed in each group. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the TS grid scotoma area were assessed using the 24–2 VF Humphrey field analyzer (HFA) as the reference standard.

Results
Sensitivity and specificity of the TS grid test were 100% and 90.91%, respectively. The area under curve was 0.9545 with 95% CI 0.87–1.00. There was a significant correlation between the number of missed locations on the TS grid test and the visual field index of the HFA 24–2 (r = 0.9436, P < .0001).

Conclusion
The sensitivity and specificity of the TS grid test were high in detecting VF defects in neurological disease. The TS grid test appears to be a reliable, low-cost, and easily accessed alternative to traditional VF tests in diagnosing typical neurological patterns of visual field defects. It would be useful in screening subjects for neurologically derived ocular morbidity in everyday clinical practice and in remote areas deprived of specialized health care services.