bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The sequence of regional structural disconnectivity due to multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Tozlu Ceren , Olafson Emily , Jamison Keith W , Demmon Emily , Kaunzner Ulrike , Marcille Melanie , Zinger Nicole , Michaelson Nara , Safi Neha , Nguyen Thanh , Gauthier Susan , Kuceyeski Amy 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPrediction of disease progression is challenging in multiple sclerosis as the sequence of lesion development and retention of inflammation within a subset of chronic lesions is heterogeneous among patients. We investigated the sequence of lesion-related regional structural disconnectivity across the spectrum of disability and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis. In a full cohort of 482 multiple sclerosis patients (age: 41.83 ± 11.63 years, 71.57% females), the Expanded Disability Status Scale was used to classify patients into (i) no or mild (Expanded Disability Status Scale &lt;3) versus (ii) moderate or severe disability groups (Expanded Disability Status Scale ≥3). In 363 out of 482 patients, quantitative susceptibility mapping was used to identify paramagnetic rim lesions, which are maintained by a rim of iron-laden innate immune cells. In 171 out of 482 patients, Brief International Cognitive Assessment was used to identify subjects as being cognitively preserved or impaired. Network Modification Tool was used to estimate the regional structural disconnectivity due to multiple sclerosis lesions. Discriminative event-based modelling was applied to investigate the sequence of regional structural disconnectivity due to (i) all representative T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesions, (ii) paramagnetic rim lesions versus non-paramagnetic rim lesions separately across disability groups (‘no to mild disability’ to ‘moderate to severe disability’), (iii) all representative T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesions and (iv) paramagnetic rim lesions versus non-paramagnetic rim lesions separately across cognitive status (‘cognitively preserved’ to ‘cognitively impaired’). In the full cohort, structural disconnection in the ventral attention and subcortical networks, particularly in the supramarginal and putamen regions, was an early biomarker of moderate or severe disability. The earliest biomarkers of disability progression were structural disconnections due to paramagnetic rim lesions in the motor-related regions. Subcortical structural disconnection, particularly in the ventral diencephalon and thalamus regions, was an early biomarker of cognitive impairment. Our data-driven model revealed that the structural disconnection in the subcortical regions, particularly in the thalamus, is an early biomarker for both disability and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis. Paramagnetic rim lesions–related structural disconnection in the motor cortex may identify the patients at risk for moderate or severe disability in multiple sclerosis. Such information might be used to identify people with multiple sclerosis who have an increased risk of disability progression or cognitive decline in order to provide personalized treatment plans.
Non-motor symptoms in motor neuron disease: prevalence, assessment and impact
Authors: Beswick Emily , Forbes Deborah , Johnson Micheala , Newton Judith , Dakin Rachel , Glasmcher Stella , Abrahams Sharon , Carson Alan , Chandran Siddharthan , Pal Suvankar 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPeople with motor neuron disease often experience non-motor symptoms that may occur secondary to, or distinct from, motor degeneration and that may significantly reduce quality of life, despite being under-recognized and evaluated in clinical practice. Non-motor symptoms explored in this population-based study include pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, poor sleep, low mood, anxiety, problematic saliva, apathy, emotional lability, cognitive complaints and sexual dysfunction. People registered on the Clinical Audit Research and Evaluation of motor neuron disease platform, the Scottish Motor Neuron Disease Register, were invited to complete a questionnaire on non-motor symptoms and a self-reported Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale. The questionnaire comprised a pre-defined list of 11 potential non-motor symptoms, with the opportunity to list additional symptoms. A total of 120 individuals participated in this cross-sectional study, a 39% response rate of those sent questionnaires (n = 311); 99% of participants recruited (n = 120) experienced at least one non-motor symptom, with 72% (n = 120) reporting five or more. The symptoms most often reported were pain and fatigue (reported by 76% of participants, respectively). The symptoms reported to be most impactful were gastrointestinal issues (reported as ‘severe’ by 54% of participants who experienced them), followed by pain and problematic saliva (51%, respectively). Lower Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale scores, indicating more advanced disease and being a long survivor [diagnosed over 8 years ago; Black et al. (Genetic epidemiology of motor neuron disease-associated variants in the Scottish population. Neurobiol Aging. 2017;51:178.e11-178.e20.)], were significantly associated with reporting more symptoms; 73% of respondents were satisfied with the frequency that non-motor symptoms were discussed in clinical care; 80% of participants indicated they believe evaluation of non-motor symptom is important to include as outcomes in trials, independent of their personal experience of these symptoms. The preferred method of assessment was completing questionnaires, at home. The overwhelming majority of people with motor neuron disease report non-motor symptoms and these frequently co-occur. Pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, sleep, mood, anxiety, problematic saliva, apathy, emotional lability, cognitive complaints and sexual dysfunction are prevalent. People with motor neuron disease who had worse physical function and those who were long survivors were more likely to report more symptoms. Where reported, these symptoms are frequent, impactful and a priority for people with motor neuron disease in clinical care and trial design.
Mapping microarchitectural degeneration in the dilated ascending aorta with ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Wang Mofei , Ching-Johnson Justin A , Yin Hao , O’Neil Caroline , Li Alex X , Chu Michael W A , Bartha Robert , Pickering J Geoffrey 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) carry a risk of catastrophic dissection. Current strategies to evaluate this risk entail measuring aortic diameter but do not image medial degeneration, the cause of TAAs. We sought to determine if the advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition strategy, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), could delineate medial degeneration in the ascending thoracic aorta.

Methods and results
Porcine ascending aortas were subjected to enzyme microinjection, which yielded local aortic medial degeneration. These lesions were detected by DTI, using a 9.4 T MRI scanner, based on tensor disorientation, disrupted diffusion tracts, and altered DTI metrics. High-resolution spatial analysis revealed that fractional anisotropy positively correlated, and mean and radial diffusivity inversely correlated, with smooth muscle cell (SMC) and elastin content (P &lt; 0.001 for all). Ten operatively harvested human ascending aorta samples (mean subject age 61.6 ± 13.3 years, diameter range 29–64 mm) showed medial pathology that was more diffuse and more complex. Nonetheless, DTI metrics within an aorta spatially correlated with SMC, elastin, and, especially, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. Moreover, there were inter-individual differences in slice-averaged DTI metrics. Glycosaminoglycan accumulation and elastin degradation were captured by reduced fractional anisotropy (R2 = 0.47, P = 0.043; R2 = 0.76, P = 0.002), with GAG accumulation also captured by increased mean diffusivity (R2 = 0.46, P = 0.045) and increased radial diffusivity (R2 = 0.60, P = 0.015).

Conclusion
Ex vivo high-field DTI can detect ascending aorta medial degeneration and can differentiate TAAs in accordance with their histopathology, especially elastin and GAG changes. This non-destructive window into aortic medial microstructure raises prospects for probing the risks of TAAs beyond lumen dimensions.
Clinical profiling and outcomes of viral myocarditis manifesting with ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Peretto Giovanni , Sala Simone , Carturan Elisa , Rizzo Stefania , Villatore Andrea , De Luca Giacomo , Campochiaro Corrado , Palmisano Anna , Vignale Davide , De Gaspari Monica , Dagna Lorenzo , Esposito Antonio , Basso Cristina , Camici Paolo Guido , Della Bella Paolo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
Clinical features and risk stratification of patients with viral myocarditis (VM) complicated by ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are incompletely understood. We aim to describe arrhythmia patterns and outcomes in patients with VM and early-onset VA.

Methods and results
We present a single-centre study, enrolling patients with VM proven by endomyocardial biopsy, and evidence of VA within 24 h of hospitalization. The incidence of major adverse events (MAE), including all-cause death, severe heart failure, advanced atrioventricular blocks, or major VA, was evaluated during a 24-month follow-up (FU) and compared with a matched group of virus-negative myocarditis. Of patients with VM (n = 74, mean age 47 ± 16 years, 66% males, and left ventricular ejection fraction 51 ± 13%), 20 (27%) presented with major VA [ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF)], and 32 (44%) had polymorphic VA. Patients with polymorphic VA more commonly had evidence of ongoing systemic infection (24/32 vs. 10/42, P = 0.004) and experienced greater occurrence of MAE at discharge (15/32 vs. 2/42, P &lt; 0.001). However, the incidence of MAE during FU was higher in patients with monomorphic VA compared to those with polymorphic VA (17/42 vs. 2/28, P = 0.002). Patients with monomorphic VA displayed frequently signs of chronic cardiomyopathy and had outcomes comparable with virus-negative myocarditis (log rank P = 0.929). Presentation with VT/VF was independently associated with MAE [at discharge: hazard ratio (HR) 4.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–14.0, P = 0.005; during FU: HR 6.3, 95% CI 2.3–17.6, P &lt; 0.001].

Conclusion
In patients with VM, polymorphic VA point to ongoing systemic infection and early adverse outcomes, whereas monomorphic VA suggest chronic cardiomyopathy and greater incidence of MAE during FU. Presentation with VT/VF is independently associated with MAE.
Lack of temporal correlations between COVID pandemic waves and the occurrence of malignant ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Foltran Deborah , Guilbeau-Frugier Céline , Marimpouy Nathan , Beneyto Maxime , Cherbi Miloud , Bongard Vanina , Maury Philippe 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
Correlations between malignant ventricular arrhythmias and the COVID waves have never been investigated.

Methods and results
Prevalence of malignant ventricular arrhythmias/sudden cardiac death has been correlated to the four COVID waves between the onset of pandemic and end 2021. No significant correlation was present in the temporal evolution of both COVID patients/positive tests and incidence of malignant ventricular arrhythmias, which tended to decrease after vaccination onset.

Conclusion
We present evidence of complex higher-order periodicities and the co-existence of such regions with stable non-chaotic areas in ex vivo human hearts. We infer that the oscillation of the calcium cycling machinery is the primary mechanism of higher-order dynamics. These higher-order regions may act as niduses of instability and may provide targets for substrate-based ablation of VF.
Transmembrane protein 120A (TMEM-120A/TACAN) coordinates with PIEZO channel during Caenorhabditis elegans reproductive regulation
Authors: Bai Xiaofei , Golden Andy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Membrane protein TMEM120A (also known as TACAN) was presumed to be both a mechanically activated molecule and a lipid-modifying enzyme. TMEM120A has been identified as a negative regulator of the essential excitatory mechanosensitive protein PIEZO2. However, the extent to which TMEM120A mediates PIEZO2's activity during physiological processes remains largely unknown. In this study, we used the Caenorhabditis elegans reproductive tract to explore the functional contribution of tmem-120, the sole TMEM120A/B ortholog, and its genetic interaction with pezo-1 in vivo. tmem-120 was expressed throughout the C. elegans development, particularly in the germline, embryos, and spermatheca. A tmem-120 mutant with a full-length deletion (tmem-120Δ) displayed deformed germline, maternal sterility, and a reduced brood size. In vivo live imaging revealed that pinched zygotes were frequently observed in the uterus of tmem-120Δ mutant animals, suggesting damage during spermathecal contraction. We then employed the auxin-inducible degradation system to degrade TMEM-120 protein in all somatic tissues or the germline, both of which resulted in reduced brood sizes. These findings suggested that multiple inputs of tmem-120 from different tissues regulate reproduction. Lastly, the loss of tmem-120 alleviated the brood size reduction and defective sperm navigation behavior in the pezo-1Δ mutant. Overall, our findings reveal a role for tmem-120 in regulating reproductive physiology in C. elegans, and suggest an epistatic interaction between pezo-1 and tmem-120 when governing proper reproduction.
Theoretical, numerical and experimental investigation into vibration characteristics for composite structures of an annular membrane internally connected with a piezoceramic disk
Authors: Ji Ming , Zhong Jia-Jin , Huang Yu-Hsi , Wu Yi-Chuang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This work analyzed the vibration characteristics of an annular membrane internally connected with a piezoceramic disk theoretically, numerically and experimentally. The general solution for the free vibration of an annular membrane under uniform tension was derived. Then, the displacement solutions for the piston modes and coupled modes of an annular membrane internally connected with a piezoceramic disk were derived. Two plate theories, Kirchhoff and Mindlin plate theories, were used to simulate the piezoceramic disk. The theoretical results are compared with the numerical results obtained from two finite element software packages: ABAQUS and COMSOL. The amplitude-fluctuation electronic speckle pattern interferometry was used to measure the resonant frequencies and associated mode shapes of five different type specimens with different sizes. Good agreements of dynamic characteristics determined by theoretical analysis, experimental measurements, and numerical calculation are presented for the annular membrane internally connected with piezoceramic disk structures.
Non-linear magnetic buoyancy instability and turbulent dynamo
Authors: Qazi Yasin , Shukurov Anvar , Tharakkal Devika , Gent Frederick A , Bendre Abhijit B 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTStratified discs with strong horizontal magnetic fields, are susceptible to magnetic buoyancy instability (MBI). Modifying the magnetic field and gas distributions, this can play an important role in galactic evolution. The MBI and the Parker instability, in which MBI is exacerbated by cosmic rays, are often studied using an imposed magnetic field. However, in galaxies and accretion discs, the magnetic field is continuously replenished by a large-scale dynamo action. Using non-ideal MHD equations, we model a section of the galactic disc (we neglect rotation and cosmic rays considered elsewhere), in which the large-scale field is generated by an imposed α-effect of variable intensity to explore the interplay between dynamo instability and MBI. The system evolves through three distinct phases: the linear (kinematic) dynamo stage, the onset of linear MBI when the magnetic field becomes sufficiently strong and the non-linear, statistically steady state. Non-linear effects associated with the MBI introduce oscillations which do not occur when the field is produced by the dynamo alone. The MBI initially accelerates the magnetic field amplification but the growth is quenched by the vertical motions produced by MBI. We construct a 1D model, which replicates all significant features of 3D simulations to confirm that magnetic buoyancy alone can quench the dynamo and is responsible for the magnetic field oscillations. Unlike similar results obtained with an imposed magnetic field, the non-linear interactions do not reduce the gas scale height, so the consequences of the magnetic buoyancy depend on how the magnetic field is maintained.
Radiato-thermal self-similar funnel jets
Authors: Fukue J 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Steady axisymmetric two-dimensional flows driven by radiation and gas pressures in the conical funnel formed by the supercritical accretion disc are examined using the fully self-similar treatment. The effect of alpha-viscosity is also considered. The self-similar solutions are found to be classified into three types: successful outflows of hollow-conical or funnel-filled solutions, failed inflows, which are gravitationally bound, and unphysical cases, where the flow meets the singularity or the radiation energy density becomes negative.
Examining quasar absorption-line analysis methods: the tension between simulations and observational assumptions key to modelling clouds
Authors: Marra Rachel , Churchill Christopher W , Kacprzak Glenn G , Nielsen Nikole M , Trujillo-Gomez Sebastian , Lewis Emmy A 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
A key assumption in quasar absorption-line studies of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) is that each absorption component maps to a spatially isolated ‘cloud’ structure that has single valued properties (e.g. density, temperature, metallicity). We aim to assess and quantify the degree of accuracy underlying this assumption. We used adaptive mesh refinement hydrodynamic cosmological simulations of two z = 1 dwarf galaxies and generated synthetic quasar absorption-line spectra of their CGM. For the Si ii λ1260 transition, and the C iv λλ1548, 1550 and O vi λλ1031, 1037 fine-structure doublets, we objectively determined which gas cells along a line of sight (LOS) contribute to detected absorption. We implemented a fast, efficient, and objective method to define individual absorption components in each absorption profile. For each absorption component, we quantified the spatial distribution of the absorbing gas. We studied a total of 1302 absorption systems containing a total of 7755 absorption components. 48 per cent of Si ii, 68 per cent of C iv, and 72 per cent of O vi absorption components arise from two or more spatially isolated ‘cloud’ structures along the LOS. Spatially isolated ‘cloud’ structures were most likely to have cloud–cloud LOS separations of 0.03Rvir (1.3 kpc), 0.11Rvir (4.8 kpc), and 0.13Rvir (5.6 kpc) for Si ii, C iv, and O vi, respectively. There can be very little overlap between multiphase gas structures giving rise to absorption components. If our results reflect the underlying reality of how absorption lines record CGM gas, they place tension on current observational analysis methods as they suggest that component-by-component absorption-line formation is more complex than is assumed and applied for chemical-ionization modelling.
3D models of fungal chromosomes to enhance visual integration of omics data
Authors: Poinsignon Thibault , Gallopin Mélina , Grognet Pierre , Malagnac Fabienne , Lelandais Gaëlle , Poulain Pierre 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The functions of eukaryotic chromosomes and their spatial architecture in the nucleus are reciprocally dependent. Hi-C experiments are routinely used to study chromosome 3D organization by probing chromatin interactions. Standard representation of the data has relied on contact maps that show the frequency of interactions between parts of the genome. In parallel, it has become easier to build 3D models of the entire genome based on the same Hi-C data, and thus benefit from the methodology and visualization tools developed for structural biology. 3D modeling of entire genomes leverages the understanding of their spatial organization. However, this opportunity for original and insightful modeling is underexploited. In this paper, we show how seeing the spatial organization of chromosomes can bring new perspectives to omics data integration. We assembled state-of-the-art tools into a workflow that goes from Hi-C raw data to fully annotated 3D models and we re-analysed public omics datasets available for three fungal species. Besides the well-described properties of the spatial organization of their chromosomes (Rabl conformation, hypercoiling and chromosome territories), our results highlighted (i) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the backbones of the cohesin anchor regions, which were aligned all along the chromosomes, (ii) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the oscillations of the coiling of chromosome arms throughout the cell cycle and (iii) in Neurospora crassa, the massive relocalization of histone marks in mutants of heterochromatin regulators. 3D modeling of the chromosomes brings new opportunities for visual integration of omics data. This holistic perspective supports intuition and lays the foundation for building new concepts.
Risk Factors for Hospitalization and Effect of Immunosuppression on Clinical Outcomes Among an Urban Cohort of Patients With Mpox
Authors: Garneau William M , Jones Joyce L , Dashler Gabriella M , Mostafa Heba H , Judson Seth D , Kwon Nathan , Hamill Matthew M , Gilliams Elizabeth A , Rudolph David S , Keruly Jeanne C , Fall Amary , Klein Eili Y , Hansoti Bhakti , Gebo Kelly A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
During the 2022 mpox outbreak most patients were managed as outpatients, but some required hospitalization. Uncontrolled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been identified as a risk factor for severe mpox.

Methods
Patients with mpox diagnosed or treated within the Johns Hopkins Health System between 1 June and 15 December 2022 were included. The primary outcome of interest was risk of hospitalization. Demographic features, comorbid conditions, treatment, and clinical outcomes were determined.

Results
A total of 353 patients were tested or treated for mpox; 100 had mpox diagnosed or treated (median age, 35.3 years; 97.0% male; 57.0% black and 10.0% Hispanic; 46.0% people with HIV [PWH]). Seventeen patients (17.0%) required hospitalization, 10 of whom were PWH. Age &gt;40 years, race, ethnicity, HIV status, insurance status, and body mass index &gt;30 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) were not associated with hospitalization. Eight of 9 patients (88.9%) with immunosuppression were hospitalized. Immunosuppression was associated with hospitalization in univariate (odds ratio, 69.3 [95% confidence interval, 7.8–619.7]) and adjusted analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 94.8 [8.5–1060.1]). Two patients (11.8%) who were hospitalized required intensive care unit admission and died; both had uncontrolled HIV infection and CD4 T-cell counts &lt;50/µL. Median cycle threshold values for the first positive mpox virus sample did not differ between those who were hospitalized and those who were not.

Conclusions
Immunosuppression was a significant risk factor for hospitalization with mpox. PWH with CD4 T-cell counts &lt;50/µL are at high risk of death due to mpox infection. Patients who are immunosuppressed should be considered for early and aggressive treatment of mpox, given the increased risk of hospitalization.