bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Draft genome sequence of
Staphylococcus urealyticus
strain MUWRP0921, isolated from the urine of an adult female Ugandan
Authors: Wokorach Godfrey , Erima Bernard , Najjuka Florence , Kiyengo James , Kibuuka Hannah , Musinguzi Ambrose K. , Wabwire-Mangen Fred , Byarugaba Denis K. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus urealyticus
bacteria are pathogenic among immune-compromised individuals. A strain (MUWRP0921) of
Staphylococcus urealyticus
with a genome of 2,708,354 bp was isolated from Uganda and carries genes that are associated with antibiotic resistance, including resistance to macrolides (
erm(C
) and
mph(C'
)), aminoglycosides (
aac(6")-aph(2"
)), tetracyclines (
tet(K
)), and trimethoprim (
dfrG
).
Survival in macrophages induces enhanced virulence in
Cryptococcus
Authors: Nielson Jacquelyn A. , Jezewski Andrew J. , Wellington Melanie , Davis J. Muse 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcus
is a ubiquitous environmental fungus and frequent colonizer of human lungs. Colonization can lead to diverse outcomes, from clearance to long-term colonization to life-threatening meningoencephalitis. Regardless of the outcome, the process starts with an encounter with phagocytes. Using the zebrafish model of this infection, we have noted that cryptococcal cells first spend time inside macrophages before they become capable of pathogenic replication and dissemination. What “licensing” process takes place during this initial encounter, and how are licensed cryptococcal cells different? To address this, we isolated cryptococcal cells after phagocytosis by cultured macrophages and found these macrophage-experienced cells to be markedly more virulent in both zebrafish and mouse models. Despite producing a thick polysaccharide capsule, they were still subject to phagocytosis by macrophages in the zebrafish. Analysis of antigenic cell wall components in these licensed cells demonstrated that components of mannose and chitin are more available for staining than they are in culture-grown cells or cells with capsule production induced
in vitro
.
Cryptococcus
is capable of exiting or transferring between macrophages
in vitro
, raising the likelihood that this fungus alternates between intracellular and extracellular life during growth in the lungs. Our results raise the possibility that intracellular life has its advantages over time, and phagocytosis-induced alteration in mannose and chitin exposure is one way that makes subsequent rounds of phagocytosis more beneficial to the fungus.

IMPORTANCE

Cryptococcosis begins in the lungs and can ultimately travel through the bloodstream to cause devastating infection in the central nervous system. In the zebrafish model, small amounts of cryptococcus inoculated into the bloodstream are initially phagocytosed and become far more capable of dissemination after they exit macrophages. Similarly, survival in the mouse lung produces cryptococcal cell types with enhanced dissemination. In this study, we have evaluated how phagocytosis changes the properties of
Cryptococcus
during pathogenesis. Macrophage-experienced cells (MECs) become “licensed” for enhanced virulence. They out-disseminate culture-grown cells in the fish and out-compete non-MECs in the mouse lung. Analysis of their cell surface demonstrates that MECs have increased availability of cell wall components mannose and chitin substances involved in provoking phagocytosis. These findings suggest how
Cryptococcus
might tune its cell surface to induce but survive repeated phagocytosis during early pathogenesis in the lung.
Activity Cycles of a Single G5 III–IV Giant HD 199178
Authors: Savanov I. S. , Tarasenkov A. N. , Samus N. N. , Dmitrienko E. S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We obtained a unique series of photometric data for more than a hundred years for a rapidly rotating single G5 III–IV giant HD 199178 (V1794 Cyg), belonging to FK Com type stars. The analysis of the long-term variation of the activity of this star in the filter $$B$$ is based on all measurements available in literary sources. To evaluate the brightness of HD 199178 in the era preceding photoelectric and CCD-observations, the measurements of photographic plates from the SAI MSU archive were shot at the Krasnopresnenskaya Observatory of Moscow State University in Moscow (4 records shot from 1898 to 1903, and 41 records for the period from 1935 to 1958) were performed. As a result, a total of 2142 assessments of the brightness of the star in the filter $$B$$ were received. They have a unique duration of 118.3 yr and cover the time interval from 1898 to July 2016. Evidence was found of the existence of long-term cycles of photometric variability lasting for about 25‒60 years. We put forward an assumption on existence of possible activity cycles of 2000, 3165, 5050, 9000, and 21 600d (respectively, 5.5, 8.7, 16.6, 24.7, and 59.2 years). The results are compared with other estimates of activity cycles in HD 199178. The most reliable should be recognizing the existence of a cycle lasting 8.7‒9 years. It was found that in order to combine data into a single array, the convertation of $$B$$ magnitudes into $$V$$ magnitudes using the average value of the color index (B–V) is not possible due to the changes (including cyclic) of color index (B–V) over time.
Cost-effectiveness of Spironolactone for Adult Female Acne (SAFA): economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pyne Sarah , Sach Tracey H , Lawrence Megan , Renz Susanne , Eminton Zina , Stuart Beth , Thomas Kim S , Francis Nick , Soulsby Irene , Thomas Karen , Permyakova Natalia V , Ridd Matthew J , Little Paul , Muller Ingrid , Nuttall Jacqui , Griffiths Gareth , Layton Alison M , Santer Miriam 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThis study aims to estimate the cost-effectiveness of oral spironolactone plus routine topical treatment compared with routine topical treatment alone for persistent acne in adult women from a British NHS perspective over 24 weeks.DesignEconomic evaluation undertaken alongside a pragmatic, parallel, double-blind, randomised trial.SettingPrimary and secondary healthcare, community and social media advertising.ParticipantsWomen ≥18 years with persistent facial acne judged to warrant oral antibiotic treatment.InterventionsParticipants were randomised 1:1 to 50 mg/day spironolactone (increasing to 100 mg/day after 6 weeks) or matched placebo until week 24. Participants in both groups could continue topical treatment.Main outcome measuresCost-utility analysis assessed incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) using the EQ-5D-5L. Cost-effectiveness analysis estimated incremental cost per unit change on the Acne-QoL symptom subscale. Adjusted analysis included randomisation stratification variables (centre, baseline severity (investigator’s global assessment, IGA <3 vs ≥3)) and baseline variables (Acne-QoL symptom subscale score, resource use costs, EQ-5D score and use of topical treatments).ResultsSpironolactone did not appear cost-effective in the complete case analysis (n=126 spironolactone, n=109 control), compared with no active systemic treatment (adjusted incremental cost per QALY £67 191; unadjusted £34 770). Incremental cost per QALY was £27 879 (adjusted), just below the upper National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s threshold value of £30 000, where multiple imputation took account of missing data. Incremental cost per QALY for other sensitivity analyses varied around the base-case, highlighting the degree of uncertainty. The adjusted incremental cost per point change on the Acne-QoL symptom subscale for spironolactone compared with no active systemic treatment was £38.21 (complete case analysis).ConclusionsThe results demonstrate a high level of uncertainty, particularly with respect to estimates of incremental QALYs. Compared with no active systemic treatment, spironolactone was estimated to be marginally cost-effective where multiple imputation was performed but was not cost-effective in complete case analysis.Trial registration numberISRCTN registry (ISRCTN12892056).
Mapping of systematic reviews on traditional medicine across health conditions: a protocol for a systematic map
Authors: Ang Lin , Song Eunhye , Jong Miek C , Alræk Terje , Wider Barbara , Choi Tae-Young , Jun Ji Hee , Lee Boram , Choi Yujin , Lee Hye Won , Yang Changsop , Lee Myeong Soo 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionTraditional medicine (TM) is an important part of healthcare either as the main healthcare system or as a complement to conventional medicine. The effectiveness of TM has been assessed in clinical trials that have been synthesised into thousands of systematic reviews (SRs). This study is commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is aimed at providing a systematic map of SRs of TM interventions across health conditions, as well as identifying gaps in the research literature in order to prioritise future primary research.Methods and analysisThis is the protocol for a systematic map of SRs reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). We will search 17 electronic databases to identify SRs of TM. The literature search covers the last 5 years, from January 2018 to December 2022. At least two independent reviewers will perform the database search, screening of eligible SRs, data extraction and quality assessments using the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2). The characteristics and extent of SRs will be analysed according to disease classification, and type of TM intervention, and visualised by means of (interactive) graphical maps.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required as this is a systematic map of published studies. The findings of the study will be disseminated through online-available maps, presentations and scientific publications.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023416355.
The human skeletal muscle metaboreflex contribution to cardiorespiratory control in males and females in dynamic exercise
Authors: Leahy Michael G. , Benbaruj Jenna M. , Payne Owen T. , Foster Glen E. , Sheel A. William 
Published: December 2023

There is a significant effect of sex and muscle mass on the cardiorespiratory response to the skeletal muscle metaboreflex during isometric exercise. We therefore tested the hypothesis that sex differences would be present when isolated following dynamic exercise. We also tested the hypothesis that single and double leg post-exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO) following heavy exercise would elicit a cardiorespiratory response proportional to the absolute muscle mass. Healthy (24 ± 4 years) males ( n = 10) and females ( n = 10) completed pulmonary function and an incremental cycle test to exhaustion. Participants completed two randomized, 6 min bouts of intense cycle exercise (84 ± 7% V̇O2peak). One exercise bout was immediately followed by 3 min PECO (220 mmHg) of the legs while the other exercise bout was followed by passive recovery. Males completed an additional session of testing with single leg PECO. The mean arterial pressure during PECO and control was greater in males compared to females ( p = 0.004). The was a significant time by condition by sex interaction in the heart rate response to PECO ( p = 0.027). There was also a significant condition by sex interaction in the ventilatory response to PECO ( p = 0.026). In males, we observed a dose-dependent cardiovascular, but not ventilatory, response to muscle mass occluded (all p < 0.05). Our findings suggest the metaboreflex contribution to cardiorespiratory control during dynamic exercise is greater in males compared to females. The ventilatory response induced by double-leg occlusion but not single-leg occlusion, suggests that the ventilatory influence of the metaboreflex is less sensitive than the cardiovascular response and may be linked to the greater afferent activation induced by double-leg occlusion.
A Randomised Control Trial Comparing the Outcomes of Anterior with Posterior Approach for Transfer of Spinal Accessory Nerve to Suprascapular Nerve in Brachial Plexus Injuries
Authors: AGRAWAL Anand , KAPOOR Akshay , SINGH Vivek , RAO Neeraj , CHATTOPADHYAY Debarati 
Published: December 2023

Background: In brachial plexus surgery, a key focus is restoring shoulder abduction through spinal accessory nerve (SAN) to suprascapular nerve (SSN) transfer using either the anterior or posterior approach. However, no published randomised control trials have directly compared their outcomes to date. Therefore, our study aims to assess motor outcomes for both approaches. Methods: This study comprises two groups of patients. Group A: anterior approach (29 patients), Group B: Posterior approach (29 patients). Patients were allocated to both groups using selective randomisation with the sealed envelope technique. Functional outcome was assessed by grading the muscle power of shoulder abductors using the British Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Results: Five patients who were operated on by posterior approach had ossified superior transverse suprascapular ligament. In these cases, the approach was changed from posterior to anterior to avoid injury to SSN. Due to this reason, the treatment analysis was done considering the distribution as: Group A: 34, Group B: 24. The mean duration of appearance of first clinical sign of shoulder abduction was 8.16 months in Group A, whereas in Group B, it was 6.85 months, which was significantly earlier (p < 0.05). At the 18-month follow-up, both intention-to-treat analysis and as-treated analysis were performed, and there was no statistical difference in the outcome of shoulder abduction between the approaches for SAN to SSN nerve transfer. Conclusions: Our study found no significant difference in the restoration of shoulder abduction power between both approaches; therefore, either approach can be used for patients presenting early for surgery. Since the appearance of first clinical sign of recovery is earlier in posterior approach, therefore, it can be preferred for cases presenting at a later stage. Also, the choice of approach is guided on a case to case basis depending on clavicular fractures and surgeon preference to the approach. Level of Evidence: Level II (Therapeutic)
A Study on Justicia flava (Forssk.) Vahl.: Pharmacognostic Characterization and Antiplasmodial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Leaves
Authors: Asante-Kwatia Evelyn , Baah Michael Kwesi , Forkuo Arnold Donkor , Anokwah Daniel , Nketia Reinhard Isaac , Gyimah Lord , Mensah Abraham Yeboah 
Published: December 2023

Justiciaflava (Acanthaceae) is utilized in folk medicine for treating malaria, inflammatory conditions, and respiratory infections. In this study, the antiplasmodial and anti-inflammatory activities of the 70% hydroalcoholic leaf extract of J. flava (JFE) were investigated. The antiplasmodial activity was assessed by the suppressive test and Rane’s curative test. The carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay in chicks was used to assess the anti-inflammatory activity. In Rane’s curative test, JFE significantly suppressed the parasitaemia level (

p

< 0.0001) by 56.85%, 63.85%, and 77.85% at 30, 100, and 300 mg·kg−1, respectively. The highest suppression of parasitaemia in the suppressive test was 51.31% at 300 mg·kg−1. The extract prolonged the survival time of infected mice significantly and prevented weight loss and hypothermia which are cardinal signs of P. berghei-induced infection. JFE inhibited foot oedema in chicks with a maximum percentage inhibition of 54.00 ± 5.20%. Pharmacognostic characterization of J. flava revealed it to have simple, petiolate, oppositely arranged leaves which are broadly lanceolate in shape with entire to slightly crenate margins. Microscopy of the leaf showed wavy-walled epidermal cells, diallelocytic stomata, abundant clothing and secretory trichomes, pitted vessels, collateral conjoint vascular bundles, cystoliths, and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals. Flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, triterpenoids, coumarins, alkaloids, and saponins were detected in the plant. This study has provided important parameters for the correct identification of J. flava and given the scientific credence to its antimalarial and anti-inflammatory effects in traditional medicine. J. flava is a potential source of new antimalarial and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Comparison of Slot Deformation in Different Types of Bracket During Torque Application—A Finite Element Study
Authors: Shah Umar Hussain , Singla Anil , Mahajan Vivek , Jaj Harupinder Singh , Dhiman Indu , Thakur Shikha 
Published: December 2023

Introduction Torque in orthodontics plays a significant role in final positioning of the teeth. This twisting force in wire helps in transferring the applied forces to bracket, which sometimes causes deformation of slot. This slot deformation can vary torque prescription and affect tooth position. Aims and Objectives To compare the deformation of slots of different bracket materials after torque application using finite element analysis. Materials and Methods A finite element model of maxillary central incisor with bracket slot 0.022 × 0.028 inch dimensions was constructed. The different bracket materials such as stainless steel (SS), ceramic, and titanium were used with rectangular SS archwire (0.019 × 0.025 inch). The slot deformation was obtained after various degrees of torque application at 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°. This slot deformation was also seen at the top, middle, and bottom locations in the slot. All these models were then analyzed using the Ansys software. Results The results showed that there was a gradual increase in deformation of all the bracket slot walls from bottom to top locations. The bracket slot deformation for 20° twist was 0.78, 1.85, and 4.53mm (SS); 0.24, 0.70, and 2.50 mm (ceramic bracket), and 1.82, 2.85, and 4.83 mm (titanium brackets) in bottom, middle, and top slot wall locations, respectively. Conclusion Slot deformation was seen highest in titanium brackets and least in ceramic brackets. Further in the slot wall, the deformation was highest in top location as compared to middle and bottom locations.
Military Sexual Trauma As a Risk Factor for Treatment Non-Response from an Online, Self-Management Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment for Women Veterans
Authors: Chen Jessica A. , Shofer Jane , Barnes Melissa L. , Livingston Whitney S. , Upham Michelle , Simpson Tracy L. 
Published: December 2023

Women veterans are exposed to high rates of trauma, including military sexual trauma (MST), and face unique barriers to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. Telehealth interventions that are tailored to women veterans’ unique lived experiences may improve treatment engagement and outcomes. It is important to ascertain how beneficial new telehealth interventions are in the context of different patient characteristics and trauma types, particularly for lower-intensity telehealth interventions (e.g., web-based programs or apps). This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial conducted in a sample of 102 women veterans examines predictors of treatment response to a self-management, telehealth intervention for PTSD: Delivery of Self Training and Education for Stressful Situations-Women Veterans (DESTRESS-WV). In the trial, women veterans with PTSD received either an online cognitive behavioral intervention with phone coaching, or phone monitoring alone. We examined associations between baseline patient characteristics (demographics, trauma types, and clinical symptoms) and treatment outcome at post-treatment, 3 months, and 6 months, focusing on the association between treatment outcome and MST. Our primary outcomes were changes in PTSD (PTSD Symptom Checklist, Version 5, PCL-5) and depression (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-8) in the full sample, adjusting for treatment condition. Women veterans who identified MST as the primary trauma for which they were seeking PTSD treatment experienced a nearly nine-point lesser improvement on the PCL-5 than those seeking PTSD treatment for other trauma types (e.g., childhood abuse, combat trauma; p = .0073). Similar patterns were found for depression symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the association between trauma type and treatment outcomes within the context of a self-management, telehealth treatment for PTSD. While the study was not powered to examine differential treatment response for patient subgroups, our exploratory findings suggest that gaps remain in providing effective PTSD care for women veterans who experienced MST. Trial registration: The trial and analysis plan were preregistered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02917447).
RNA-seq analysis revealed genes associated with neuropathic pain induced by chronic compressive injury in interferon regulatory factors 4 knockout mice
Authors: Peng Jiayi , Wu Yunlin , E Qi , Zhou Ziyin , Wen Xianjie 
Published: December 2023

Objective To explore the differential expression of genes between wild-type chronic compressive injury (CCI) mice (WT-CCI) and interferon regulatory factors 4 (IRF4) knockout CCI mice (KO-CCI) by RNA-seq analysis of the mouse spinal cord. Methods RNA-seq analysis of the spinal cord tissue of the chronic sciatic nerve ligation mice and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were used. Results A total of 104 genes were up-regulated and 116 genes were down-regulated in spinal cord of the mice in IRF4 knockout (KO-CCI) group compared with that in the wild-type CCI (WT-CCI) group. There were 1472 differentially expressed genes in the biological process group, 62 differentially expressed genes in the cellular component group, and 163 differentially expressed genes in the molecular function group in KO-CCI mice. A total of 14 genes related to inflammatory reactions were differentially expressed. Real-time PCR results confirmed that Pparg and Grpr mRNA expression was up-regulated and Arg 1 and Ccl11 mRNA expression was down-regulated in the KO-CCI group. Conclusion IRF4 is involved in neuropathic pain in CCI mice, IRF4 may participate in neuropathic pain by regulating Grpr, Mas1, Galr3, Nos2, Arg1, Ccl11, Ptgs2, S100a8, Pparg, Cd40, Has2, Gpr151, Il123a, Capns2, Ankrd1, Ccnb1, and Nppb genes.
Orbital apocrine hidrocystoma. Report of two cases
Authors: Di Marino Matteo , Quaranta Leoni Flavia , Ranazzi Giulio , Quaranta Leoni Francesco M 
Published: December 2023

Introduction We report the clinical features and the management of two cases of orbital hidrocystoma in the setting of an enlarging orbital mass. Cases description A 48-year-old man presented with a mass in the right upper medial orbital quadrant, firmly attached to the supraorbital incisure. A 70-year-old man had a well demarcated lesion in the upper lateral orbital quadrant adherent to the lacrimal gland. There was no history of previous orbital trauma. In both cases histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of apocrine hidrocystoma. Following surgery, the first patient complained of mild hypoesthesia in the territory of the supraorbital nerve that resolved spontaneously within 3 weeks. Surgery was uneventful in the other patient. No recurrence was seen during the follow up. Conclusions Apocrine hidrocystomas have been rarely described in the orbit, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital cystic masses. Recurrence is rare following complete surgical excision.