bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New horizons in subdural haematoma
Authors: Rickard Frances , Gale John , Williams Adam , Shipway David 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Subdural haematoma (SDH) is a common injury sustained by older people living with frailty and multimorbidity, and typically following falls from a standing height. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet use are commonly indicated in older people with SDH, but few data inform decision-making surrounding these agents in the context of intracranial bleeding. Opposing risks of rebleeding and thrombosis must therefore be weighed judiciously. Decision-making can be complex and requires detailed awareness of the epidemiology to ensure the safest course of action is selected for each patient. Outcomes of surgical decompression in acute SDH are very poor in older people. However, burr hole drainage can be safe and effective in older adults with symptomatic chronic SDH (cSDH). Such patients need careful assessment to ensure symptoms arise from cSDH and not from coexisting medical pathology. Furthermore, the emerging treatment of middle meningeal artery embolisation offers a well-tolerated, minimally invasive intervention which may reduce the risks of rebleeding in older adults. Nonetheless, UK SDH management is heterogenous, and no accepted UK or European guidelines exist at present. Further randomised trial evidence is required to move away from clinical practice based on historic observational data.
MRI-predicted extramural vascular invasion and tumour deposit are main predictors of disease-free survival in patients undergoing surgical resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Di Fabio Francesco , Allievi Niccolo , Lord Amy , Bhagwanani Anisha , Venkatasubramaniam Arcot , Arnold Steve , Moran Brendan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
MRI is crucial in staging patients with rectal cancer and planning treatment. The aim was to analyse the prognostic role of MRI-predicted tumour deposits and/or extramural vascular invasion (mrTD/EMVI) in a cohort of patients with rectal cancer undergoing surgical resection, with selective neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).

Method
Retrospective analysis of a single-centre cohort of consecutive patients with rectal cancer undergoing low anterior resection or abdominoperineal excision between 2008 and 2020. Unit policy was selective nCRT for MRI-predicted threatened or involved circumferential resection margin (mrCRM), or radiologically involved pelvic sidewall nodes. The primary outcome was disease-free survival. Secondary outcomes were rates of local recurrence, distant recurrence and overall survival.

Results
A total of 314 patients were analysed. Median age was 65 years (female/male: 114/200). A total of 54/314 (17%) had nCRT and 35 patients (11%) underwent abdominoperineal excision. Median follow-up was 64 months. Overall, local recurrence was detected in 18/314 (5.7%) and distant recurrence in 45/314 (14.3%). In patients not receiving nCRT (n = 260), local recurrence was detected in 11/260 (4.2%) and distant recurrence in 35/260 (13.5%). Disease-free survival was 80.5% at 5 years. Specifically, disease-free survival was 89% in mrTD/EMVI-negative and mrCRM-negative, 67% in mrTD/EMVI-positive and mrCRM-negative, and 64% in the mrCRM-positive rectal cancer (log-rank, P &lt; 0.001). On multivariable Cox-regression analysis mrTD/EMVI was the only MRI variable associated with disease-free survival (hazard ratio 2.95; P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
mrTD/EMVI is a major prognostic indicator. Rectal cancer patients with mrCRM-negative and mrTD/EMVI-negative have excellent long-term outcomes with surgery alone. Patients with mrTD/EMVI-positive should be selectively stratified for neoadjuvant treatments in future clinical trials.
Differential microRNA editing may drive target pathway switching in human temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Lau Kelvin E How , Nguyen Ngoc T , Kesavan Jaideep C , Langa Elena , Fanning Kevin , Brennan Gary P , Sanz-Rodriguez Amaya , Villegas-Salmerón Javier , Yan Yan , Venø Morten T , Mills James D , Rosenow Felix , Bauer Sebastian , Kjems Jørgen , Henshall David C 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
MicroRNAs have emerged as important regulators of the gene expression landscape in temporal lobe epilepsy. The mechanisms that control microRNA levels and influence target choice remain, however, poorly understood. RNA editing is a post-transcriptional mechanism mediated by the adenosine acting on RNA (ADAR) family of proteins that introduces base modification that diversifies the gene expression landscape. RNA editing has been studied for the mRNA landscape but the extent to which microRNA editing occurs in human temporal lobe epilepsy is unknown. Here, we used small RNA-sequencing data to characterize the identity and extent of microRNA editing in human temporal lobe epilepsy brain samples. This detected low-to-high editing in over 40 of the identified microRNAs. Among microRNA exhibiting the highest editing was miR-376a-3p, which was edited in the seed region and this was predicted to significantly change the target pool. The edited form was expressed at lower levels in human temporal lobe epilepsy samples. We modelled the shift in editing levels of miR-376a-3p in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Reducing levels of the edited form of miR-376a-3p using antisense oligonucleotides resulted in extensive gene expression changes, including upregulation of mitochondrial and metabolism-associated pathways. Together, these results show that differential editing of microRNAs may re-direct targeting and result in altered functions relevant to the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epilepsy and perhaps other disorders of neuronal hyperexcitability.
Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha by miR-203a-3p reduces hypertrophic scar formation via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Shixin , Liu Hengdeng , Wang Hanwen , He Xuefeng , Tang Jinming , Qi Shaohai , Yang Ronghua , Xie Julin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a common fibroproliferative skin disease that currently has no truly effective therapy. Given the importance of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) in hypertrophic scar formation, the development of therapeutic strategies for endogenous inhibitors against PIK3CA is of great interest. Here, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of miR-203a-3p (PIK3CA inhibitor) against excessive scar.

Methods
Bioinformatic analysis, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, miRNA screening and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays were used to identify the possible pathways and target molecules mediating HS formation. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to clarify the role of PIK3CA and miR-203a-3p in HS. Mechanistically, transcriptomic sequencing, immunoblotting, dual-luciferase assay and rescue experiments were executed.

Results
Herein, we found that PIK3CA and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR pathway were upregulated in scar tissues and positively correlated with fibrosis. We then identified miR-203a-3p as the most suitable endogenous inhibitor of PIK3CA. miR-203a-3p suppressed the proliferation, migration, collagen synthesis and contractility as well as the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in vitro, and improved the morphology and histology of scars in vivo. Mechanistically, miR-203a-3p attenuated fibrosis by inactivating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by directly targeting PIK3CA.

Conclusions
PIK3CA and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway are actively involved in scar fibrosis and miR-203a-3p might serve as a potential strategy for hypertrophic scar therapy through targeting PIK3CA and inactivating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Riboflavin-based photocatalysis for aerobic oxidative S–N bond formation of thiols and amines
Authors: Oka Marina , Takeda Aki , Iida Hiroki 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A novel organophotocatalytic process using riboflavin derivatives, which allows aerobic oxidative multistep S–S, S–N, and S–O bond formations of thiols and amines, is presented herein. The reaction proceeded under mild metal-free conditions using air (1 atm) as an environmentally friendly oxidant, yielding sulfinamides and sulfonamides.
Oxovanadium(IV) heteromacrocyclic complexes as ionophores for iodide-selective electrodes
Authors: Moriuchi-Kawakami Takayo , Higashikado Akihisa , Hirahara Masanari , Fujimori Keiichi , Moriuchi Toshiyuki 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Highly selective poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane electrodes, based on oxovanadium(IV) complexes of heteromacrocyclic compounds as new iodide-selective ionophores for ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), were fabricated with a composition of PVC (28.1 wt%), plasticizers (69.3 wt%), ionophores (2.6 wt%), and cation excluders (15 mol% relative to the ionophore). The electrode prepared from oxovanadium(IV) tetraphenyl porphyrin with 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE) as the membrane solvent and tetradodecylammonium chloride (TDDACl) as the cation excluder was found to exhibit the best sensitivity over a wide concentration range from 5.0 × 10–7 to 2.1 × 10–2 M with a Nernstian response of −59.02 mV per decade and the highest ion-selectivity toward I− ions over perchlorate ions (I−/ClO4− = 91).
The Xpert MTB/RIF Cycle Threshold Value Predicts Mycobacterium tuberculosis Transmission to Close Contacts in a Brazilian Prospective Multicenter Cohort
Authors: Garcia Leandro S , Costa Allyson G , Araújo-Pereira Mariana , Spener-Gomes Renata , França Aguiar Amanda , Souza Alexandra B , Lima Lucas O A , Benjamin Aline , Rocha Michael S , Moreira Adriana S R , Silva Jaquelane , Santos Saulo R N , Lourenço Maria Cristina , Figueiredo Marina C , Turner Megan M , Kritski Afranio L , Rolla Valeria C , Sterling Timothy R , Andrade Bruno B , Cordeiro-Santos Marcelo ,   RePORT Brazil Consortium, Gomes-Silva Adriano , Andrade Alice M S , Bezerra André Luiz , Carvalho Anna Cristina Calçada , Silveira Anna Karla , Nogueira Betânia M F , Carvalho Brenda K S , de Loiola Bruna Pires , Stanis Carolina Arana Schmaltz , de Freitas Medeiros Eline Naiane , Ignácio Francine Peixoto , Santos Hayna Malta , Oliveira Jamile G , Silva Jéssica Rebouças , Neto João Marine , Arriaga María B , Silva-Freitas Maria Luciana , de Melo Mayla Gabriele Miranda , Placido-Pereira Rosa Maria , Almeida-Da-Silveira Samyra , de Souza Nascimento Vanessa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The Xpert MTB/RIF rapid molecular test provides a quantitative measure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) DNA in the form of cycle threshold (Ct) values. This information can be translated into mycobacterial load and used as a potential risk measure of bacterial spread for tuberculosis (TB) cases, which can impact infection control. However, the role of Ct values in assessing Mtb transmission to close contacts has not yet been demonstrated.

Methods
A prospective study was performed to investigate the association between Xpert MTB/RIF Ct values and Mtb transmission to close contacts of patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB in a multicenter Brazilian cohort. We evaluated clinical and laboratory data (age, sex, race, smoking habits, drug use, alcohol use, chest X-ray, Xpert MTB/RIF results) among pulmonary TB cases, and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) results at baseline and after 6 months, for close contacts who had a negative result at baseline.

Results
A total of 1055 close contacts of 382 pulmonary TB cases were included in the study. The median Ct values from TB cases of QFT-Plus–positive (at baseline or 6 months) close contacts were lower compared with those who were QFT-Plus–negative. An adjusted logistic regression demonstrated that reduced Ct values from the index cases were independently associated with QFT-Plus conversion from negative to positive (odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–2.32) after adjusting for clinical characteristics.

Conclusions
Close contacts of pulmonary TB index cases who exhibit low Xpert MTB/RIF Ct values displayed higher rates of TB infection, reflecting Mtb transmission.
Optimizing a linear ‘Doggybone’ DNA vaccine for influenza virus through the incorporation of DNA targeting sequences and neuraminidase antigen
Authors: Cunliffe Robert F , Stirling David C , Razzano Ilaria , Murugaiah Valarmathy , Montomoli Emanuele , Kim Sungwon , Wane Madina , Horton Helen , Caproni Lisa J , Tregoning John S 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Influenza virus represents a challenge for traditional vaccine approaches due to its seasonal changes and potential for zoonotic transmission. Nucleic acid vaccines can overcome some of these challenges, especially through the inclusion of multiple antigens to increase the breadth of response. RNA vaccines were an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but for future outbreaks DNA vaccines may have some advantages in terms of stability and manufacturing cost that warrant continuing investigation to fully realize their potential. Here, we investigate influenza virus vaccines made using a closed linear DNA platform, Doggybone™ DNA (dbDNA), produced by a rapid and scalable cell-free method. Influenza vaccines have mostly focussed on Haemagglutinin (HA), but the inclusion of Neuraminidase (NA) may provide additional protection. Here, we explored the potential of including NA in a dbDNA vaccine, looking at DNA optimization, mechanism and breadth of protection. We showed that DNA targeting sequences (DTS) improved immune responses against HA but not NA. We explored whether NA vaccine-induced protection against influenza virus infection was cell-mediated, but depletion of CD8 and NK cells made no impact, suggesting it was antibody-mediated. This is reflected in the restriction of protection to homologous strains of influenza virus. Importantly, we saw that including both HA and NA in a single combined vaccine did not dampen the immune response to either one. Overall, we show that linear dbDNA can induce an immune response against NA, which may offer increased protection in instances of HA mismatch where NA remains more conserved.
Suitability of containerized toxicant to control Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) threatening cave species in Bexar County, Texas
Authors: Kramm Mathew M , Lampman Jacob R , Jackson Daniel , Montalvo Andrea E , Lopez Roel R 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Several protected troglobitic invertebrate species are known to occur in caves on Joint Base San Antonio—Camp Bullis, Bexar County, Texas, United States. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) identified red-imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta (hereafter RIFA) (Buren 1972) as the primary threat to cave species’ nutrient sources, cave crickets, Ceuthophilus secretus (Scudder 1894). Per the service’s recommendations, Joint Base San Antonio—Camp Bullis currently implements boiling water mound injections with digging for RIFA control. However, treatment effectiveness is highly variable and largely dependent on the time of day, weather, and personnel diligence. Toxicants have been used for RIFA treatment throughout the world, but concerns exist that traditional applications of toxicant bait around caves might be accessible and inadvertently affect nontarget arthropods, including cricket populations. To mitigate this accessibility, physically limiting access to the toxicant from crickets may be an option. Our objectives were to (i) compare and evaluate the effectiveness of Amdro (Hydramethylnon) and Advion (Indoxacarb) granular baits housed in Ants-No-More Bait Stations (Kness MFG. Inc., Albia, IA) and (ii) evaluate the distance of effectiveness of each bait within a bait station. Ultimately, we observed a 98% reduction in RIFA mound abundance from both baits. Additionally, RIFA mounds within 10 m of the containerized toxicant were reduced by 70%. Our pilot study suggested that Ants-No-More Bait Stations are an effective way to reduce RIFA mounds by 70% if placed 10 m from each other. In practice, this could include bait stations completely covering a particular distance to a cave entrance or fewer bait stations in a ring barrier at a single radial distance to a cave entrance. Containerized toxicants may be a cost-effective and safe RIFA control option around protected cave environments, but further studies are needed to determine potential effects on nontarget arthropods, optimal bait station configuration, and potential effects of biomagnification.
A low-dose thrombolytic infusion protocol for safe and successful treatment of left ventricular assist device thrombosis: a case series
Authors: Gorantla Ramakrishna , Albaeni Aiham , Choudhry Muhammad W , Conti Vincent , Lick Scott , Khalife Wissam I , Chatila Khaled 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Pump thrombosis is a serious complication of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) therapy. In this study, we aim to report a novel protocol of an intermittent, low-dose, and slow infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase).

Case summary
We treated seven LVAD pump thrombosis events (HeartMate® II and HeartWare) in four patients with a median age of 52 years (31–63), and all were female. The protocol was applied from January 2015 to December 2018, and it consisted of an intermittent, low-dose, and slow infusion of systemic thrombolytic therapy in the intensive care unit. This therapy resulted in successful resolution of pump thrombosis in six out of seven events. Bleeding complication occurred in one patient, which included a ruptured haemorrhagic ovarian cyst and a small cerebellar intra-parenchymal haemorrhage. All patients were discharged home in a stable condition, except one patient who died during hospitalization because of severe sepsis, pump thrombosis with subsequent pump exchange, and multi-organ failure.

Discussion
A low-dose, prolonged, and systemic thrombolytic infusion protocol is an effective and relatively safe treatment that can lead to a sustained resolution of pump thrombosis with low bleeding complications and failure rates.
Communicating about sexual activity and intimacy after a heart attack: a cross-sectional survey of Australian health professionals
Authors: Lilly Kara , Walsh Anthony Leo , Foreman Rachelle , Moran Claire , Taylor Jane 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimsSexual activity and intimacy improve quality of life for heart attack survivors. After a heart attack, patients frequently experience sexual dysfunction and anxiety about resuming sexual activity. However, most health professionals do not discuss sex or intimacy with their patients. The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions and practices of Australian health professionals in discussing sexual activity and intimacy with heart attack survivors and the barriers to achieving this.Methods and resultsThis study employed a cross-sectional study design and online self-administered survey questionnaire. Study participants were a convenience sample of Australian health professionals working with cardiac patients, including general practitioners, cardiologists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, registered nurses, and allied health professionals. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations to understand the different perspectives of health professional groups and the overall sample. Of 252 respondents, almost all believed discussing sex and intimacy with heart attack survivors was important, yet less than a quarter reported regularly doing so. About three-quarters reported feeling comfortable discussing sex and intimacy with either men or women, with half comfortable to do so with patients from diverse cultures. Barriers included lack of time, privacy, consumer resources, and protocols to guide discussions.ConclusionThis research supports the need for structural changes such as a clinical protocol, longer and more private consultations, staff training, and culturally appropriate patient-oriented resources to support health professionals to guide discussions about sexual activity and intimacy with patients who have had a heart attack.
The symptom perception processes of monitoring, awareness, and evaluation in patients with heart failure: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Lee Solim , Nolan Amy , Guerin Julie , Koons Brittany , Matura Lea Ann , Jurgens Corrine Y , Dickson Victoria Vaughan , Riegel Barbara 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
Patients with heart failure (HF) experience various signs and symptoms and have difficulties in perceiving them. Integrating insights from patients who have engaged in the process of symptom perception is crucial for enhancing our understanding of the theoretical concept of symptom perception. This study aimed to describe how patients with HF perceive symptoms through the processes of monitoring, awareness, and evaluation and what influences the process.

Methods and results
Using a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted in-person semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of 40 adults experiencing an unplanned hospitalization for a HF symptom exacerbation. We elicited how patients monitor, become aware of, and evaluate symptoms prior to hospitalization. Data were analysed using directed qualitative content analysis. One overarching theme and three major themes emerged. Patients demonstrated Body listening, which involved active and individualized symptom monitoring tactics to observe bodily changes outside one's usual range. Trajectory of bodily change involved the patterns or characteristics of bodily changes that became apparent to patients. Three subthemes—sudden and alarming change, gradual change, and fluctuating change emerged. Patients evaluated symptoms through an Exclusionary process, sequentially attributing symptoms to a cause through a cognitive process of excluding possible causes until the most plausible cause remained. Facilitators and barriers to symptom monitoring, awareness, and evaluation were identified.

Conclusion
This study elaborates the comprehensive symptom perception process used by adults with HF. Tailored nursing interventions should be developed based on the factors identified in each phase of the process to improve symptom perception in HF.
Gold nanoparticles activate hydrogenase synthesis and improve heterotrophic growth of Ralstonia eutropha H16
Authors: Manutsyan Tatevik , Blbulyan Syuzanna , Vassilian Anait , Semashko Tatiana , Kirakosyan Gayane , Gabrielyan Lilit , Trchounian Karen , Poladyan Anna 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Ralstonia eutropha is a facultative chemolithoautotrophic aerobic bacterium that grows using organic substrates or H2 and CO2. Hydrogenases (Hyds) are synthesized under lithoautotrophic, or energy-limited heterotrophic conditions and are used in enzyme fuel cells (EFC) as anodic catalysts. The effects of chemically synthesized gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) on R. eutropha H16 growth, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) kinetics, and H2-oxidizing Hyd activity were investigated in this study. Atomic force microscopy showed that thin, plate-shaped Au-NPs were in the nanoscale range with an average size of 5.68 nm. Compared with growth in medium without Au-NPs (control), the presence of Au-NPs stimulated growth, and resulted in a decrease in ORP to negative values. H2-oxidizing activity was not detected in the absence of Au-NPs, but activity was significantly induced (12 U/g CDW) after 24 h of growth with 18 ng/ml, increasing a further 4-fold after 72 h of growth. The results demonstrate that Au-NPs primarily influence the membrane-bound Hyd. In contrast to R. eutropha, Au-NPs had a negligible or negative effect on the growth, Hyd activity, and H2 production of Escherichia coli. The findings of this study offer new perspectives for the production of oxygen-tolerant Hyds and the development of EFCs.