bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Draft genome assemblies of 35 bacteria isolated from hibernating arctic ground squirrels
Authors: McKee Heidi , Mullen Logan , Drown Devin M. , Duddleston Khrystyne N. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Arctic ground squirrels (
Urocitellus parryii
) hibernate for several months without eating or drinking yet suffer no disuse atrophy. We are investigating the potential contributions of gut microorganisms to host nitrogen homeostasis, and here, we describe the genome assemblies of 35 isolated bacteria collected from gastrointestinal material and sequenced using Nanopore technology.
Fluorofurimazine, a novel NanoLuc substrate, enhances real-time tracking of influenza A virus infection without altering pathogenicity in mice
Authors: Smith Steven , Rayner Jonathan O. , Kim Jin H. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) using engineered bioluminescent viruses has emerged as a powerful tool for real-time, noninvasive monitoring of viral replication in living animals. While traditional luciferase-based systems, such as firefly luciferase, have been widely used, the NanoLuc luciferase system offers distinct advantages, including its significantly smaller gene size, increased brightness, and independence from ATP as a cofactor, allowing for extracellular detection. However, the utility of NanoLuc has been limited by its traditional substrate, furimazine, which exhibits poor water solubility and potential cytotoxicity. In this study, we assessed fluorofurimazine (FFz), a novel substrate with improved water solubility and bioavailability, for tracking influenza A virus (IAV) replication in mice. Our findings demonstrate that FFz substantially enhances detection sensitivity in both respiratory organs and brain tissue without increasing toxicity, enabling more precise and sustained monitoring of IAV replication.
In vitro
, FFz generated higher photon flux at lower concentrations compared to furimazine, translating into superior
in vivo
sensitivity with reduced toxicity. Crucially, FFz did not alter the pathogenicity of IAV in mice, even at sublethal infectious doses, reinforcing its suitability for use in BLI-based viral pathogenicity studies. These results suggest that combining FFz with NanoLuc provides a more effective and less toxic approach for real-time tracking of viral infections in preclinical models.

IMPORTANCE
Monitoring viral infections in living animals is a valuable approach for understanding how viruses replicate and cause disease. This study focuses on bioluminescent influenza A virus infection in a mouse model and evaluates fluorofurimazine, a new substrate that enhances bioluminescence imaging. Fluorofurimazine allows researchers to monitor viral spread more effectively than the traditional substrate, furimazine, which is often toxic and less reliable. It offers better sensitivity and lower toxicity, enabling longer and more accurate tracking of viral replication in the lungs and even the brain. Importantly, fluorofurimazine does not alter the pathogenicity of the virus, providing an unaltered representation of the infection process. This advancement has the potential to significantly improve how scientists study bioluminescent viral infections and evaluate antiviral drugs and vaccines, making it a valuable tool for research on influenza and other respiratory viruses.
Synthesis, Modification, and In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of 3,4-Dihydro-4,6-diaryl-2-pyrimidinethiones
Authors: Skrylkova A. S. , Egorov D. M. , Krylov A. S. , Chernova E. N. , Kuzikova I. L. , Zhakovskaya Z. A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A series of 3,4-dihydro-4,6-diaryl-2-pyrimidinethiones was obtained using a three-component reaction and their modifiaction with dimethyl chloroethynylphosphonate was performed. It was shown that the phosphonylation reaction occurs under mild conditions and chemo- and regioselectively leads to bicyclic products, namely dimethyl 5,7-diaryl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-3-phosphonates. Antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and yeast-like fungi Candida utilis was studied.
Causes and determinants of infant mortality using verbal autopsy and social autopsy methods in a rural population of Odisha: a community-based matched case-control study
Authors: Pal Debkumar , Singh Arvind Kumar , Satapathy Amit Kumar , Behera Priyamadhaba , Mishra Abhisek 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe avoidable causes of infant mortality should be identified, and interventions should be made to improve the infant mortality rate. The cause of infant deaths should be assessed in both medical and social contexts.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the medical causes of infant mortality by verbal autopsy and its determinants in two rural blocks of the Khordha district of Odisha and assess the pathway of care and delay in seeking care for the illness preceding infant death using the three-delay model.DesignWe conducted this community-based matched case-control study to identify the medical causes of infant mortality using the verbal autopsy method along with the identification of delay and pathway of care related to infant deaths using a social autopsy method.SettingsTwo rural blocks of Odisha, India.ParticipantsWe enumerated 100 infant deaths by active surveillance and data triangulation from Accredited Social Health Activists, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and block-level health information systems. We selected an equal number of alive infants matched with cases in a 1:1 ratio with regard to age, gender and residential address.Outcome measuresWe conducted the verbal autopsy using the Sample Registration System verbal autopsy tool, where the cause of death ascertainment was done by two independently trained physicians followed by adjudication by one senior trained physician in case of conflicts. We used the prevalidated International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Population and Their Health tool to assess three delays and pathways of care related to infant deaths.ResultsMost infant deaths (70%) happened during the first day of life, and almost 50% of neonatal deaths occurred during the first week of life. The three most common causes of infant mortality were birth asphyxia (30%), pneumonia (18%), prematurity and low birth weight (14%). Larger family size (>5) and the education status of fathers till class 10 were significant determinants of infant mortality. Among the 49 infants whose illnesses were identified at home, 2 died at home without receiving any care. Formal or informal care was sought for 32 and 8 infants, respectively. The median delay was found to be 24 hours for level 1 delay. Level 1 delay was observed for 20 cases (40.8%), with more than 24 hours in decision-making in care-seeking. Thirty-seven (75.5%) sick infants reached the healthcare facility 30 min after deciding to seek care.ConclusionBirth asphyxia, pneumonia prematurity and low birth weight were found to be the common causes of infant mortality, with larger family sizes and lower education status among fathers being the significant determinants of infant mortality. We observed a significant delay in decision-making regarding seeking care among caregivers of sick infants.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of intensive care unit physicians towards the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome in China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Qin Zhidan , Zhao Xiaoqin , Meng Yongyi , Wu Yinglin , Qian Jing , Yin Mingjing , Wen Hanchun , Hu Juntao , Tang Zhanhong 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of intensive care unit (ICU) physicians in China towards acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2022.ParticipantsA total of 497 ICU physicians participated, with 258 (51.91%) being male and the majority aged 30–40 years (56.74%).InterventionsParticipants were surveyed to evaluate their KAP regarding ARDS, with mediation analysis employed to elucidate the association between demographic characteristics and KAP scores.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe mean scores for KAP were 11.89±2.64 (range: 0–17), 44.73±4.85 (range: 12–60) and 18.26±3.43 (range: 1–48), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed positive correlations between knowledge and attitude (0.367), knowledge and practice (0.582) and attitude and practice (0.314) (all p<0.001).ResultsMediation analysis indicated that attitude (β=0.07, p<0.001) and hospital type (β=−0.84, p=0.005) had direct effects on practice, while knowledge had significant direct (β=0.68, p<0.001) and indirect (β=0.03, p=0.019) effects. Additionally, education (β=0.47, p<0.001), work experience (β=0.25, p<0.001), hospital classification (β=−0.91, p<0.001), ICU type (β=−0.61, p=0.001) and ARDS experience (β=−1.57, p<0.001) showed various indirect effects on practice.ConclusionsICU physicians in China exhibited inadequate knowledge, moderate attitudes and suboptimal practices regarding ARDS management. Enhancing education and work experience is crucial, along with practical, scenario-based training, to improve KAP in ARDS management.
Epidemiological perspectives of amyloidosis in Argentina: a cohort study analysing incidence and mortality patterns among a population affiliated to a medical care programme
Authors: Posadas-Martínez María Lourdes , Cirelli Delfina , De Florio Florencia , Aguirre María Adela , Nucifora Elsa Mercedes , Sorroche Patricia Beatriz , Sáez María Soledad , Aliperti Valeria Inés , Vicens Jimena , Carretero Marcelina 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundData on the epidemiology of amyloidosis are scarce worldwide, making it difficult to understand its true incidence and mortality.AimThe aim of this study is to estimate the incidence and mortality rate of systemic amyloidosis in people affiliated to a Medical Care Program in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.MethodsThis is a hospital-based prospective study. All affiliates over 17 years to the Medical Care Program of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, and incident cases and deaths due to amyloidosis from the Institucional Amyloidosis Registry from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2022 were included. Incidence and mortality rates were reported per million person-year with their respective 95% CIs. Crude, standardised and stratified rates were determined.ResultsDuring the study period, the crude incidence rate was 63 (95% CI 52 to 76) and the crude mortality rate was 31 (95% CI 23 to 40) cases per million person-year, with the wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) subtype having the highest rates. Men were more affected, especially from the age of 70 years onwards. In addition, an increase in the incidence and mortality rate was observed throughout the period studied.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that amyloidosis remains a rare disease but with an increase in incidence in recent years, especially in elderly people. This underlines the importance of further research in epidemiology for a better understanding of the pathology and its evolution.
Problem of pain in the USA: evaluating the generalisability of high-impact chronic pain models over time using National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data
Authors: Falasinnu Titilola , Hossain Md Belal , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Weber Kenneth Arnold , Mackey Sean 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionHigh-impact chronic pain (HICP) significantly affects the quality of life for millions of US adults, imposing substantial economic/healthcare burdens. Disproportionate effects are observed among racial/ethnic minorities and older adults.MethodsWe leveraged the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2016 (n=32 980), 2017 (n=26 700) and 2021 (n=28 740) to validate and develop analytical models for HICP. Initial models (2016 NHIS data) identified correlates associated with HICP, including hospital stays, diagnosis of specific diseases, psychological symptoms and employment status. We assessed the models’ generalisability and drew comparisons across time. We constructed five validation scenarios to account for variations in the availability of predictor variables across datasets and different time frames for pain assessment questions. We used logistic regression with Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and random forest techniques. We assessed model discrimination, calibration and overall performance using metrics such as area under the curve (AUC), calibration slope and Brier score.ResultsScenario 1, validating the NHIS 2016 model against 2017 data, demonstrated excellent discrimination with an AUC of 0.89 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.90) for both LASSO and random forest models. Subgroup-specific performance varied, with the lowest AUC among adults aged ≥65 years (0.81, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.82) and the highest among Hispanic respondents (0.91, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.94). Model calibration was generally robust, although underfitting was observed for Hispanic respondents (calibration slope: 1.31). Scenario 3, testing the NHIS 2016 model on 2021 data, showed reduced discrimination (AUC: 0.82, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.83) and overfitting (calibration slopes <1). De novo models based on 2021 data showed comparable discrimination (AUC: 0.86, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.87) but poorer calibration when validated against older datasets.ConclusionThese findings underscore the potential of these models to guide personalised medicine strategies for HICP, aiming for more preventive rather than reactive healthcare. However, the model’s broader applicability requires further validation in varied settings and global populations.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase delta is a STAT3-phosphatase and suppressor of metabolic liver disease
Authors: Roca Suarez Armando Andres , Jühling Frank , Moehlin Julien , Mailly Laurent , Virzì Alessia , Brignon Nicolas , Durand Sarah C , Oudot Marine A , Schaeffer Eugenie , Martin Romain , Meiss-Heydmann Laura , Bach Charlotte , Boulahtouf Zakaria , Girard Lea , Osswald Emma , Jamey Carole , Brumaru Daniel , Dali-Youcef Nassim , Mukherji Atish , Saez-Palma Maria , Testoni Barbara , Zoulim Fabien , Koneru Bhuvaneswari , Fujiwara Naoto , Hoshida Yujin , Felli Emanuele , Pessaux Patrick , Tremblay Michel L , Parent Romain , Schuster Catherine , Baumert Thomas F , Lupberger Joachim 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveImpaired hepatic expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase delta (PTPRD) is associated with increased STAT3 transcriptional activity and reduced survival from hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. However, thePTPRD-expressing hepatic cell types, signalling pathways responsive to PTPRD and their role in non-viral liver disease are largely unknown.MethodsWe studiedPTPRDexpression in single-cell and bulk liver transcriptomic data from mice and humans, and established aPtprd-deficient mouse model for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Identified pathways were validated by perturbation studies in human hepatocytes and PTPRD substrates by pull-down assays. The clinical relevance was further explored in a cohort with metabolic disease by ranking patients according toPTPRDexpression and analysing its association with metabolic disease markers.ResultsThe analysis of individuals ranked according toPTPRDexpression andPtprd-deficient mice, showed thatPTPRDlevels were associated with hepatic glucose/lipid signalling and peroxisome function. HepaticPTPRDexpression is impaired in aetiologies of chronic liver diseases that are associated with metabolic disease. We further validated PTPRD as a STAT3 phosphatase in the liver, acting as a regulator of peroxisomal fatty acid metabolism. During MASH, low PTPRD led to increased liver steatosis inPtprd+/− mice and a pronounced unfolded protein response, which impacts insulin signalling. Accordingly, silencing ofPTPRDblunted insulin-induced AKT phosphorylation. Patients with obesity and low hepaticPTPRDexpression exhibit increased levels of metabolic risk factors.ConclusionOur data revealed an important regulatory role of the hepatic PTPRD-STAT3 axis in maintaining glucose/lipid homeostasis, which is recapitulated in clinical manifestations of metabolic liver disease.
Characteristics of injury deaths among homeless and non-homeless US veterans (2017–2021)
Authors: Beydoun Hind A , Szymkowiak Dorota , Ng Ted K S , Tsai Jack 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess whether experiencing homelessness may be associated with future risk of injury death and characterise these injury deaths by homelessness status among veterans who received healthcare through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among 6 128 921 veterans (399 125 homeless and 5 729 796 non-homeless) who received VA healthcare between 2017 and 2020 and were followed until 2021 using linked data from VA’s Corporate Data Warehouse, Homeless Operations Management System and the VA/Department of Defense Joint Mortality Data Repository. Injury death rates were estimated by homelessness status with 95% CIs using the exact Poisson method. Multivariable Cox regression models were applied to estimate HRs with 95% CI for homelessness as a predictor of injury deaths, controlling for demographic, clinical, substance use and mental health characteristics.ResultsThe injury-specific mortality rate (per 100 000 person-years) was estimated at 254.4 (95% CI 252.5 to 256.4) and was higher among homeless (453.3 (95% CI 443.3 to 463.5)) versus non-homeless (239.9 (95% CI 237.9 to 241.9)) veterans. There were disparities in anatomical sites and injury type by homelessness status. Injury-related risk of death was twice as high among veterans with versus without a homelessness experience (adjusted HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.88 to 1.98).ConclusionHomeless veterans may be at high risk for specific patterns of injury death. Injury prevention efforts should target exposures that distinguish this vulnerable population from other veterans seeking VA healthcare services.
Volumetric response after closure of a spinal CSF leak in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension: a multicompartmental longitudinal study
Authors: Zander Charlotte , Lützen Niklas , Rau Alexander , Wolf Katharina , Arnold Philipp , Mast Hansjörg , El Rahal Amir , Volz Florian , Cimflova Petra , Beck Jürgen , Urbach Horst , Demerath Theo 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) loss in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is accompanied by volume shifts between the intracranial compartments. This study investigated tricompartimental and longitudinal volume shifts after closure of a CSF leak.MethodsPatients with SIH and suitable pre-therapeutic and post-therapeutic imaging for volumetric analysis were identified from our tertiary care center between 2020 and 2023. The Bern SIH score was calculated. Pre-interventional and post-interventional volumetry encompassed the CSF, parenchymal and venous compartments (ie, venous sinus and choroid plexus volumes).ResultsIn total, 32 patients with SIH (49.7±16.0 years, 22 women) met inclusion criteria. The mean SIH score decreased between baseline (4.5±2.7) and early (2.7±2.3, <7 days after intervention), and also late follow-up (1.4±1.7, follow-up ≥7 days) after leak closure. This was accompanied by a significant increase in ventricular volume from 22.1 to 25.0 mL (P=0.01) at early follow-up, and 23.9 mL at later follow-up (P=0.080). In contrast, venous sinus volumes decreased from 13.8 to 9.6 mL (P=0.016) at early follow-up, and 10.0 mL (P=0.007) at late follow-up. No significant change in mean choroid plexus, total gray or total white matter volume was observed.ConclusionsClosure of a spinal CSF leak leads to an early increase in ventricular CSF volume and a decrease in venous sinus volume. The results reflect the long-term convergence of the SIH score to normal values and indicate that permanent closure of a CSF leak induces a stable recompensation of the intracranial compartments without involving significant volume shifts within the cerebral parenchyma.
Return to duty after non-surgical treatment of a non-neurological thoracic or lumbar spine fracture in French military patients: a retrospective analysis of 54 patients
Authors: Lines J-B , Cungi P J , Da Silva C , Aigle L , Dagain A , Joubert C 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionNon-surgical management of non-neurological thoracic or lumbar spine (TL) fractures seems to provide good results in the civilian population, leading to return to work in most cases. However, data on the military population are limited, particularly regarding return to duty. This study aimed to describe a population of French military patients with traumatic non-neurological TL fractures and the outcomes of non-surgical management regarding operational capacity.Materials and methodsThis retrospective single-centre observational study used data from military patients followed for non-neurological TL fractures, from the date of the trauma or after treatment in another civilian or military care facility. Medical fitness status at 1 year was the primary outcome. Medical fitness status at 1 year was defined as unrestricted resumption and restricted resumption in cases of return to duty in a different role or in the previous role with restrictions.ResultsBetween January 2010 and December 2020, 93 patients presented with non-neurological traumatic TL fractures at Sainte-Anne National Military Hospital. Fifty-four records met the inclusion criteria. Falls from high heights (27.8%, n=15) and road accidents (24.1%, n=13) were the most common traumatic mechanisms. The remaining 77 injuries were compression fractures, predominantly at the thoracolumbar junction. One year after trauma, 90.7% of patients (n=49) had returned to duty, and 77.8% (n=42) were free from medical restriction. The median duration of incapacity (MDI) was 173 days. Age significantly affected medical fitness at 1 year (p=0.019); however, it did not affect the MDI. Polytrauma was significantly associated with a lower resumption rate at 1 year (53.3%, p=0.007).ConclusionNon-surgical management of non-neurological TL fractures allowed unrestricted return to duty in this population. These clinically relevant trends have led to perspectives for defining non-surgical treatment indications, means and goals.