bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering recombinant replication-competent bluetongue viruses expressing reporter genes for
in vitro
and non-invasive
in vivo
studies
Authors: Utrilla-Trigo Sergio , Jiménez-Cabello Luis , Marín-López Alejandro , Illescas-Amo Miguel , Andrés Germán , Calvo-Pinilla Eva , Lorenzo Gema , van Rijn Piet A. , Ortego Javier , Nogales Aitor 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is the causative agent of the important livestock disease bluetongue (BT), which is transmitted via Culicoides bites. BT causes severe economic losses associated with its considerable impact on health and trade of animals. By reverse genetics, we have designed and rescued reporter-expressing recombinant (r)BTV expressing NanoLuc luciferase (NLuc) or Venus fluorescent protein. To generate these viruses, we custom synthesized a modified viral segment 5 encoding NS1 protein with the reporter genes located downstream and linked by the Porcine teschovirus-1 (PTV-1) 2A autoproteolytic cleavage site. Therefore, fluorescent signal or luciferase activity is only detected after virus replication and expression of non-structural proteins. Fluorescence or luminescence signals were detected in cells infected with rBTV/Venus or rBTV/NLuc, respectively. Moreover, the marking of NS2 protein confirmed that reporter genes were only expressed in BTV-infected cells. Growth kinetics of rBTV/NLuc and rBTV/Venus in Vero cells showed replication rates similar to those of wild-type and rBTV. Infectivity studies of these recombinant viruses in IFNAR(−/−) mice showed a higher lethal dose for rBTV/NLuc and rBTV/Venus than for rBTV indicating that viruses expressing the reporter genes are attenuated
in vivo
. Interestingly, luciferase activity was detected in the plasma of viraemic mice infected with rBTV/NLuc. Furthermore, luciferase activity quantitatively correlated with RNAemia levels of infected mice throughout the infection. In addition, we have investigated the
in vivo
replication and dissemination of BTV in IFNAR (−/−) mice using BTV/NLuc and non-invasive
in vivo
imaging systems.

IMPORTANCE

The use of replication-competent viruses that encode a traceable fluorescent or luciferase reporter protein has significantly contributed to the
in vitro
and
in vivo
study of viral infections and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this work, we have generated rBTV that express fluorescent or luminescence proteins to track BTV infection both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Despite the availability of vaccines, BTV and other related orbivirus are still associated with a significant impact on animal health and have important economic consequences worldwide. Our studies may contribute to the advance in orbivirus research and pave the way for the rapid development of new treatments, including vaccines.
Isolated left sternocleidomastoid pyomyositis: a rare presentation of cervical sepsis
Authors: Fraser Calum , Thompson Christopher SG , Yeo Justin C L 
Published: February 2024

An elderly gentleman self-presented to A+E with a 7-day history of significant and progressive left-sided neck pain, swelling and fevers, despite oral antibiotics from his general practitioner. Examination revealed a large left-sided neck mass involving levels 2–5 of the neck that was firm to palpate, with erythematous overlying skin.An urgent CT scan demonstrated a large collection throughout the length of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), measuring 13×5.5×4 cm, with extensive adjacent inflammatory change. He was subsequently taken to theatre for washout and debridement, during which the collection was found to be loculated and isolated to the SCM, with surrounding structures spared.Postoperatively, he was managed with intravenous fluids and a total of 2 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. The wound partially dehisced during healing and the cavity was packed with flaminal and regularly dressed with input from the tissue viability team. This was then left to heal by secondary intention and the patient was followed up in clinic over the following weeks to ensure resolution.
Physical fitness in male adolescents and atherosclerosis in middle age: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Herraiz-Adillo Ángel , Ahlqvist Viktor H , Higueras-Fresnillo Sara , Hedman Kristofer , Hagström Emil , Fortuin-de Smidt Melony , Daka Bledar , Lenander Cecilia , Berglind Daniel , Östgren Carl Johan , Rådholm Karin , Ortega Francisco B , Henriksson Pontus 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo examine the associations between physical fitness in male adolescents and coronary and carotid atherosclerosis in middle age.MethodsThis population-based cohort study linked physical fitness data from the Swedish Military Conscription Register during adolescence to atherosclerosis data from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study in middle age. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using a maximal cycle-ergometer test, and knee extension muscular strength was evaluated through an isometric dynamometer. Coronary atherosclerosis was evaluated via Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) stenosis and Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scores, while carotid plaques were evaluated by ultrasound. The associations were analysed using multinomial logistic regression, adjusted (marginal) prevalences and restricted cubic splines.ResultsThe analysis included 8986 male adolescents (mean age 18.3 years) with a mean follow-up of 38.2 years. Physical fitness showed a reversed J-shaped association with CCTA stenosis and CAC, but no consistent association was observed for carotid plaques. After adjustments, compared with adolescents in the lowest tertile of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength, those in the highest tertile had 22% (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.99) and 26% (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.93) lower ORs for severe (≥50%) coronary stenosis, respectively. The highest physical fitness group (high cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength) had 33% (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.87) lower OR for severe coronary stenosis compared with those with the lowest physical fitness.ConclusionThis study supports that a combination of high cardiorespiratory fitness and high muscular strength in adolescence is associated with lower coronary atherosclerosis, particularly severe coronary stenosis, almost 40 years later.
Which elements of hospital-based clinical decision support tools for the assessment and management of children with head injury can be adapted for use by paramedics in prehospital care? A systematic mapping review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Proctor Alyesha , Lyttle Mark , Billing Jedd , Shaw Pauline , Simpson Julian , Voss Sarah , Benger Jonathan Richard 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveHospital-based clinical decision tools support clinician decision-making when a child presents to the emergency department with a head injury, particularly regarding CT scanning. However, there is no decision tool to support prehospital clinicians in deciding which head-injured children can safely remain at scene. This study aims to identify clinical decision tools, or constituent elements, which may be adapted for use in prehospital care.DesignSystematic mapping review and narrative synthesis.Data sourcesSearches were conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and AMED.Eligibility criteriaQuantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods or systematic review research that included a clinical decision support tool for assessing and managing children with head injury.Data extraction and synthesisWe systematically identified all in-hospital clinical decision support tools and extracted from these the clinical criteria used in decision-making. We complemented this with a narrative synthesis.ResultsFollowing de-duplication, 887 articles were identified. After screening titles and abstracts, 710 articles were excluded, leaving 177 full-text articles. Of these, 95 were excluded, yielding 82 studies. A further 14 studies were identified in the literature after cross-checking, totalling 96 analysed studies. 25 relevant in-hospital clinical decision tools were identified, encompassing 67 different clinical criteria, which were grouped into 18 categories.ConclusionFactors that should be considered for use in a clinical decision tool designed to support paramedics in the assessment and management of children with head injury are: signs of skull fracture; a large, boggy or non-frontal scalp haematoma neurological deficit; Glasgow Coma Score less than 15; prolonged or worsening headache; prolonged loss of consciousness; post-traumatic seizure; amnesia in older children; non-accidental injury; drug or alcohol use; and less than 1 year old. Clinical criteria that require further investigation include mechanism of injury, clotting impairment/anticoagulation, vertigo, length of time of unconsciousness and number of vomits.
Mediation role of perceived social support between recurrence risk perception and health behaviour among patients with stroke in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Xiaoxuan , Zhang Zhen-Xiang , Lin Bei-Lei , Jiang Hu , Wang Wenna , Mei Yong-Xia , Zhang Chunhui , Zhang Qiushi , Chen Su-Yan 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo examine whether patients who had a stroke with high recurrence risk perception would have healthier behaviour and to explore whether perceived social support would function as a mediator.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThe study was conducted in a public tertiary hospital in China.ParticipantsA total of 254 patients with stroke were invited to participate, and 250 patients with stroke completed questionnaires validly.Primary and secondary outcome measuresQuestionnaires were administered offline to collect data, consisting of four parts: general demographics and scales related to recurrence risk perception, perceived social support, and health behaviour. A path analysis and correlation analysis were used to analyse the data.ResultsOut of 250 patients with stroke, 78.4% had moderately low health behaviour. The majority (70.8%) of these patients were elderly. High recurrence risk perception and high perceived social support were significantly associated with better health behaviour (all p<0.001). Perceived social support mediated the relationship between recurrence risk perception and health behaviour after controlling for age, gender, education and monthly income in the regression model (95% CI 0.263 to 0.460) and the effect value was 0.360. It was also confirmed that perceived social support had the highest mediation effect with a proportion of mediation up to 59.31%.ConclusionsRecurrence risk perception and perceived social support were influential factors in promoting health behaviour. Moreover, the impact of recurrence risk perception on health behaviour was partially mediated by perceived social support. Therefore, to enhance the sustainability of health behaviour, it is crucial to inform patients with stroke about the risk of recurrence. Patients with more perception of recurrence risk can improve their recovery confidence and thus perceive more social support.
Multimodality magnetic resonance evaluating the effect of enhanced physical exercise on the growth rate, flow haemodynamics, aneurysm wall and ventricular-aortic coupling of patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA MOVE trial): a study protocol for an open-label randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zeng Wen , Weng Chengxin , Yuan Ding , Wang Tiehao , Huang Bin , Zhao Jichun , Xia Chunchao , Li Zhenlin , Wang Jiarong 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe best lifestyle for small abdominal aortic aneurysms (sAAA) is essential for its conservative management. Physical exercise can improve the cardiopulmonary function of the patients, but it remains unclear which specific type of exercise is most beneficial for individuals with sAAA. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of physician-guided enhanced physical exercise programme on the aorto-cardiac haemodynamic environment, aneurysm sac wall, cardiac function and growth rate of sAAA by multimodality MRI.Methods and analysisAAA MOVE study is a prospective, parallel, equivalence, randomised controlled trial. Eligible individuals will be recruited if they are diagnosed with sAAA (focal dilation of abdominal aorta with maximum diameter <5 cm), without contraindication for MRI scanning, or severe heart failure, or uncontrolled arrhythmia. Participants will be randomly allocated to intervention group (physician-guided enhanced physical exercise programme: mainly aerobic training) and control group (standard clinical care) separately in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is 12-month growth rate of sAAA. The first set of secondary outcomes involve multimodality MRI parameters covering flow haemodynamics, aortic wall inflammation and cardiac function. The other secondary outcome (safety end point) is a composite of exercise-related injury, aneurysm rupture and aneurysm intervention. Follow-up will be conducted at 6 and 12 months after intervention.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee on Biomedical Research of West China Hospital (approval number: 2023-783) on 16 June 2023. Main findings from the trial will be disseminated through presentations at conferences, peer-reviewed publications and directly pushed to smartphone of participants.Trial registration numberChiCTR2300073334.
Patient symptoms, self-management, and unscheduled healthcare use during the first 6 months of targeted oral anticancer agent therapy: protocol for a mixed-methods US study
Authors: Rizvi-Toner Amna , Coe Antoinette B , Friese Christopher R , Manojlovich Milisa , Wallner Lauren , Farris Karen B 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionTargeted oral anticancer agents (OAAs) are increasingly used to treat cancer, including haematological malignancies and ovarian cancer, but they can cause serious symptomatic side effects such as arrhythmias, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia. Unaddressed OAA symptoms or inadequately managed symptoms may also lead to unnecessary and unscheduled healthcare use that decreases patient quality of life and financially burdens both patients and the healthcare system. Limited information is available about patient symptoms, self-management behaviours, and use of healthcare services over time while taking targeted OAAs, but is needed to ensure successful OAA therapy. The primary objective is to understand patient experiences and behaviours on initiating targeted OAA, and elicit cancer care clinicians’ (ie, physicians, advanced practice practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists) perspectives on supporting patients during therapy. Study results will inform comprehensive and realistic interventions that minimise disruptions to therapy while maximising quality of life.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a remote single-arm, convergent-parallel mixed-methods cohort study within a large academic medical centre. A minimum of 60 patients will be enrolled. Patients will complete several validated patient-reported outcome measures at six timepoints over 6 months. Mixed-effects logistic regression will be used to predict the primary binary outcome of unscheduled healthcare use by patient self-efficacy for symptom self-management. Semistructured interviews will be conducted with patients and clinicians and thematically analysed. Triangulated quantitative and qualitative results will be reported using cross-case comparison joint display.Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol is approved by the Institutional Review Board of University of Michigan Medical School (IRBMED). Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences, and disseminated to study participants.
Efficacy of neck muscle activation versus strengthening for adults with chronic cervical radiculopathy: a study protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Sharmin Farzana , Hossain K M Amran , Kabir Feroz , Hossain Md. Zahid , Jahan Sharmila , Rahman Ehsanur , Islam Md. Aminul 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionChronic cervical radiculopathy is a common condition characterised by neck and arm pain, numbness and weakness. Both neck muscle activation and strengthening exercises are widely recognised treatments for cervical radiculopathy, but there is a research gap on the efficacy of neck muscle activation versus strengthening. This protocol will determine the efficacy of neck muscle activation alongside conventional care versus strengthening exercise and conventional care for cervical radiculopathy.Methods and analysisWe planned a 5-week parallel, two-arm randomised clinical trial on 80 participants with chronic cervical radiculopathy (lasting over 3 months) between July and December 2023. Participants will be recruited from Dhaka’s Agrani Specialised Physiotherapy Centre in Bangladesh and randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups will receive 14 sessions, each lasting 30–45 min. Post-treatment evaluations will be employed on Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), range of motion, craniovertebral angle (CVA), strength, endurance and Neck Disability Index (NDI) after 5 weeks and follow-up after 12 weeks of post-test analysis. Primary outcomes (strength, endurance and CVA) will be measured using a handheld dynamometer, digital inclinometer and goniometer. Secondary outcomes (pain, range of motion and disability) will be assessed through the BPI scale, digital inclinometer and NDI.Ethics and disseminationThe Institute of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation and Research of Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association has approved the study. All participants will provide informed consent, and data will be anonymised and accessible only to authorised personnel. The study’s findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.Clinical trial registry IndiaCTRI/2023/09/057587 (13/09/2023)
Twenty-five year occupational homicide mortality trends in North Carolina: 1992–2017
Authors: Martin Chelsea L , Richardson David , Richey Morgan , Nocera Maryalice , Cantrell John , McClure Elizabeth S , Martin Amelia T , Marshall Stephen W , Ranapurwala Shabbar 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionDetermining industry of decedents and victim–perpetrator relationships is crucial to inform and evaluate occupational homicide prevention strategies. In this study, we examine occupational homicide rates in North Carolina (NC) by victim characteristics, industry and victim–perpetrator relationship from 1992 to 2017.MethodsOccupational homicides were identified from records of the NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner system and the NC death certificates. Sex, age, race, ethnicity, class of worker, manner of death, victim–perpetrator relationship and industry were abstracted. Crude and age-standardised homicide rates were calculated as the number of homicides that occurred at work divided by an estimate of worker-years (w-y). Rate ratios and 95% CIs were calculated, and trends over calendar time in occupational homicide rates were examined overall and by industry.Results456 homicides over 111 573 049 w-y were observed. Occupational homicide rates decreased from 0.82 per 100 000 w-y for the period 1992–1995 to 0.21 per 100 000 w-y for the period 2011–2015, but increased to 0.32 per 100 000 w-y in the period 2016–2017. Fifty-five per cent (252) of homicides were perpetrated by strangers. Taxi drivers experienced an occupational homicide rate that was 110 times (95% CI 76.52 to 160.19) the overall occupational homicide rate in NC; however, this rate declined by 76.5% between 1992 and 2017. Disparities were observed among workers 65+ years old, racially and ethnically minoritised workers and self-employed workers.ConclusionOur findings identify industries and worker demographics that experienced high occupational homicide fatality rates. Targeted and tailored mitigation strategies among vulnerable industries and workers are recommended.
Intensive training programme for ultrasound-guided minimally invasive synovial tissue biopsy on knees and wrists in different phases of inflammation
Authors: Coletto Lavinia Agra , Marino Valentina , Rizzo Chiara , Goulas Natacha , Rubortone Pietro , Verardi Lucrezia , Gaggiano Emanuela , Bruno Dario , D’Antonio Arianna , Gessi Marco , Di Mario Clara , Tolusso Barbara , Bui Laura , Benvenuto Roberta , Chimenti Maria Sole , Guggino Giuliana , Ciccia Francesco , Caporali Roberto , Gremese Elisa , Lizzio Marco Maria , D’Agostino Maria-Antonietta , Alivernini Stefano 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo develop an intensive training programme for ultrasound (US)-guided synovial tissue (ST) biopsy on knees and wrists in inflammatory arthritis and to assess the learning curve, patient tolerability, sample quality and trainees’ expectations.MethodsActive or remission rheumatoid arthritis patients were enrolled. Nine trainees joined the 4-month programme in a centre experienced in performing US-guided ST biopsies consisting of four sequential phases: (1) observation, (2) performance of guided step-by-step phases, (3) execution of the whole procedure on paired joints (knees or wrists) of the same patient in parallel with the trainer and (4) performance of the procedure autonomously. Sample representativity was assessed by histology, and procedure-related adverse events were recorded. Before and after the programme, trainees’ expectations and perceptions were collected.Results328 ST biopsy procedures were included. The rate of trainees’ informative samples was: (1) comparable to the trainers in active and remission knees, but lower in active wrists (70% for trainees vs 100% for trainers, p=0.06) in phase 3; (2) excellent on active knees and wrists (91.9% and 90.9% respectively) but lower (77.6%, p=0.0089) on remission knees in phase 4. Procedures performed by trainees did not affect patient tolerability. Trainees’ expectations about procedure-related invasiveness and pain infliction decreased while the difficulty of procedure execution on active wrists and remission knees remained perceived as moderately difficult.ConclusionsThis intensive training programme develops advanced skills in the performance of US-guided ST biopsy on knees and wrists, yielding high-quality specimens available for basic and translational studies on inflammatory joint diseases.
Female reproductive histories and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Liang Chen , Chung Hsin-Fang , Dobson Annette , Sandin Sven , Weiderpass Elisabete , Mishra Gita D 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundFemale reproductive factors may influence the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through the female hormonal environment, but studies on this topic are limited. This study aimed to assess whether age at menarche, number of children, infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth and age at natural menopause were associated with the risk of COPD.MethodsWomen from three cohorts with data on reproductive factors, COPD and covariates were included. Cause specific Cox regression models were adjusted for birth year, race, educational level, body mass index and pack years of smoking, stratified by asthma, and incorporating interaction between birth year and time. Between cohort differences and within cohort correlations were taken into account.ResultsOverall, 2 83 070 women were included and 10 737 (3.8%) developed COPD after a median follow-up of 11 (IQR 10–12) years. Analyses revealed a U shaped association between age at menarche and COPD (≤11 vs 13: HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.23; ≥16 vs 13: HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.27). Women with three or more children (3 vs 2: HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.17; ≥4 vs 2: HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.40), multiple miscarriages (2 vs 0: HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.32; ≥3 vs 0: HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.43) or stillbirth (1 vs 0: HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.53; ≥2 vs 0: HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.10) were at a higher risk of COPD. Among postmenopausal women, earlier age at natural menopause was associated with an increased risk of COPD (<40 vs 50–51: HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.63 to 1.75; 40–44 vs 50–51: HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.47).ConclusionsMultiple female reproductive factors, including age at menarche, number of children, miscarriage, stillbirth, and age at natural menopause were associated with the risk of COPD.