bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative effectiveness of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors on liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes in Japan: A real‐world data analysis
Authors: Takahashi Hirokazu , Asakawa Keiko , Kosakai Yoshinori , Lee Takumi , Rokuda Mitsuhiro 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimTo compare the effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4is) on liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Japan.Materials and MethodsThis was a Japanese retrospective cohort study using the RWD Database (1 January 2015 to 24 September 2021). Patients newly treated with an SGLT2i or a DPP4i were matched 1:4 (SGLT2i:DPP4i) using propensity score. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to 1 year after the index date in alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in various laboratory test results, including the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), albumin and HbA1c. Endpoints were compared between treatment groups using Welch's t‐test in the full population and in subgroups stratified by baseline characteristics.ResultsBaseline characteristics of 955 and 3063 matched patients newly treated with an SGLT2i and a DPP4i, respectively, were well balanced. Patients receiving an SGLT2i had significantly greater reductions in ALT, FIB‐4 index and GGT and a significantly greater increase in albumin than patients receiving a DPP4i. A significantly greater change from baseline in ALT was observed in the SGLT2i group than in the DPP4i group among subgroups with lower baseline FIB‐4 index and HbA1c.ConclusionsIn this study, improvements in various measures, including ALT, the FIB‐4 index, GGT and albumin, were observed with SGLT2is compared with DPP4is, suggesting that SGLT2is may provide hepatoprotective benefits, including the prevention of liver fibrosis, in patients with T2D in Japan.
Patterns of neurotoxicity among patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy: A single‐centre cohort study
Authors: Sales Carmela , Anderson Mary Ann , Kuznetsova Valeriya , Rosenfeld Hannah , Malpas Charles B. , Roos Izanne , Dickinson Michael , Harrison Simon , Kalincik Tomas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeImmune effector cell‐associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) is an important complication of chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy. This study aims to identify the patterns of neurotoxicity among patients with ICANS at a tertiary referral centre in Australia.MethodologyThis single‐centre, prospective cohort study included all consecutively recruited patients who underwent CAR‐T therapy for eligible haematological malignancies. All patients underwent a comprehensive neurological assessment and cognitive screening before CAR‐T infusion, during the development of ICANS, and 1 month after treatment. Baseline demographic characteristics, incidence, and neurological patterns of neurotoxicity management were evaluated.ResultsOver a 19‐month period, 23% (12) of the 53 eligible patients developed neurotoxicity (10/12 [83%] being grade 1). All patients showed changes in handwriting and tremor as their initial presentation. Changes in cognition were manifested in most of the patients, with a more substantial drop noted in their Montreal Cognitive Assessment compared to immune effector cell‐associated encephalopathy scores. All manifestations of neurotoxicity were short‐lived and resolved within a 1‐month period, with a mean duration of 8.2 days (range = 1–33).ConclusionsThe patterns of CAR‐T‐related neurotoxicity often include change in handwriting, tremor, and mild confusional state, especially early in their evolution. These may remain undetected by routine neurological surveillance. These features represent accessible clinical markers of incipient ICANS.
Impact of income inequalities on subjective perception of older adult health: An analysis of healthy life expectancy in China from 1997 to 2006
Authors: Yu Qi , Wu Jilei 
Published: December 2023

AimDriven by rapid socioeconomic development over recent decades, there are widening income inequalities and subjective health disparities among older adults in China. This study explored the relationship between income inequalities and self‐rated healthy life expectancy (HLE) considering potential sex‐specific differences.MethodsFrom a cohort of 1760 individuals aged ≥60 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997–2006), we calculated age‐specific life expectancy (LE), HLE and the proportion of HLE to LE (HLE/LE) by sex using the IMaCh software, incorporated time‐varying income levels of older adults.ResultsAlthough longevity has significantly improved, the well‐being of Chinese older adults could be further enhanced by assessing HLE, as the results showed that at age 60 years, ~20% of their LE was characterized by unhealthiness. Discriminated by economic status, lower‐income individuals experienced worse self‐rated health compared with the general population and affluent counterparts. For instance, at age 60 years, the LE, HLE and HLE/LE of low‐income men were 19.8 (95% CI 18.4–21.1), 16.2 years (95% CI 15.0–17.5) and 81.8%, respectively, lower than their general (21.7, 95% CI: 20.4–23.0; 18.0, 95% CI 16.8–19.2; and 82.9%) and high‐income counterparts (25.1, 95% CI 23.1–27.2; 21.4, 95% CI 19.5–23.3; and 85.3%). Sex disparities were noticeable among low‐income individuals in HLE/LE, with low‐income women showing the most significant disadvantage.ConclusionsIncome inequalities exacerbated subjective health disparities among older adults, particularly among lower‐income individuals and women. Our findings carry significant implications for formulating public health and social welfare strategies, especially in nations grappling with an aging population and undergoing parallel socioeconomic development.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 109–115.
Diversity of fungus‐like stramenopilous organisms (Oomycota) in Lithuanian freshwater aquaculture: Morphological and molecular analysis, risk to fish health
Authors: Markovskaja Svetlana , Iršėnaitė Reda , Kačergius Audrius , Sauliutė Gintarė , Stankevičiūtė Milda 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe present work is the first comprehensive study of fungus‐like stramenopilous organisms (Oomycota) diversity in Lithuanian fish farms aimed at proper identification of saprolegniasis pathogens, which is important for water quality control, monitoring infection levels and choosing more effective treatments for this disease in aquaculture. Pathogenic to fish, Saprolegnia and other potentially pathogenic water moulds were isolated from adult fish, their eggs, fry and from water samples. All detected isolates were examined morphologically and confirmed by sequence‐based molecular methods. A total of eight species belonging to the genera Saprolegnia, Achlya, Newbya and Pythium were identified. Four species (S. parasitica, S. ferax, S. australis and S. diclina) were found to be the main causative agents of saprolegniasis in Lithuania. S. parasitica and S. ferax dominated both in hatcheries and open fishponds, accounting for 66.2% of all isolates. S. parasitica was isolated from all farmed salmonid fish species as well as from the skin of Cyprinus carpio, Carassius carassius and Perca fluviatilis. S. australis was isolated from water and once from the skin of Oncorhynchus mykiss, and S. diclina was detected only once on the skin of Salmo salar fish. In addition, Achlya ambisexualis, Saprolegnia anisospora and Newbia oligocantha isolated during this study are noted as a possible source of saprolegniasis. The results of this study are relevant for assessing the risk of potential outbreaks of saprolegniasis or other saprolegnia‐like infection in Lithuanian freshwater aquaculture.
Pulse versus non‐pulse corticosteroid therapy in patients with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Hyung Kwonhyung , Lee Jong Hyuk , Kim Joong‐Yub , Choi Sun Mi , Park Jimyung 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveCorticosteroids are commonly used for the treatment of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE‐IPF); however, the optimal initial dose of corticosteroids remains uncertain due to a lack of sufficient evidence. We evaluated whether the administration of a pulse dose of corticosteroids resulted in improved survival outcomes compared with conventional non‐pulse dose of corticosteroids.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 238 patients with AE‐IPF treated with corticosteroids at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2013 and December 2021. Based on whether a pulse dose of corticosteroids (methylprednisolone of ≥250 mg/day or equivalent) was administered within 7 days of hospitalization for AE‐IPF, the patients were divided into the pulse and non‐pulse regimen groups. The survival outcomes were compared between the two groups using multivariable regression and propensity score‐matched analyses.ResultsAmong the 238 patients, 59 patients received pulse dose of corticosteroids, whereas 179 patients received conventional non‐pulse dose of corticosteroids. After adjusting for the confounding factors related to the baseline clinical and radiographic severity, compared with the conventional non‐pulse regimen, the pulse regimen of corticosteroids did not reduce the risk of mortality at the 3‐month (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.45–1.38) or 12‐month (aHR 0.96, 95% CI 0.60–1.25) follow‐ups. Propensity score‐matched analysis revealed similar results.ConclusionThe survival outcomes of patients with AE‐IPF who received a pulse dose of corticosteroids did not differ from those of patients who received conventional non‐pulse dose of corticosteroids. Further prospective studies are required to establish the optimal initial dose of corticosteroids for the treatment of AE‐IPF.
Risk of transfusion‐transmitted infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 from blood donors in Japan
Authors: Shinohara Naoya , Ito Mai , Kai Kazuhiro , Kamo Noriyuki , Owada Takashi , Sobata Rieko , Yamagishi Naoji , Takahashi Hideyuki , Ikeda Yohei , Sawai Hiromi , Furuta Rika A. , Matsubayashi Keiji , Hino Ikuo , Goto Naoko , Satake Masahiro 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) essentially affects respiratory organs and tissues. SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAemia is often associated with more severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) compared to cases without RNAemia. To determine the impact of the pandemic on transfusion medicine, particularly transfusion‐related infection, we examined the frequency of blood donation with RNAemia, the viral RNA (vRNA) concentration, and any possibility of transfusion‐transmitted infection (TTI) among transfusion recipients.Study Design and MethodsvRNA was examined in plasma/serum samples from 496 of 513 blood donors who reported having been infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 within 2 weeks of donation among a total of ca. 9.9 million blood donations in Japan between January 15, 2020, and December 31, 2021. The clinical course of patients transfused with the blood component containing vRNA was also examined.ResultsvRNA was detected in 23 of 496 samples. The median period from blood donation to COVID‐19 onset was 1 day in 16 RNAemia‐positive donors. Most samples had vRNA concentrations below the limit of quantification. Three patients were transfused with either a packed red blood cell or platelet concentrate that tested positive for vRNA, showing no COVID‐19 symptoms and testing negative for vRNA in post‐transfusion blood.ConclusionThe rate of RNAemia was 4.6% among blood donors who were found to be infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 shortly after donation, and vRNA concentrations in their donated blood were extremely low. There was no evidence of TTI in the recipients transfused with RNAemia‐positive blood components. TTI risk in SARS‐CoV‐2 is negligible.
Kinetostatic Analysis of a Spatial Cable-Actuated Variable Stiffness Joint
Authors: John Isaac , Mohan Santhakumar , Wenger Philippe 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The demand for robots capable of performing collaborative tasks requiring interactions with the environment is on the rise. Safe interactions with the environment require attributes such as high dexterity and compliance around obstacles, while still maintaining the requisite stiffness levels for payload manipulation. Such attributes are inherent to biological musculoskeletal systems. Motivated by this realization, this paper proposes a cable-actuated spatial joint with variable stiffness, inspired by the tensegrity principles found in biological musculoskeletal systems. The paper provides a detailed analysis of the joint’s mobility and mechanism kinematics. Based on the limits of the actuation forces, the paper also presents the wrench-feasible workspace of the joint. The paper also outlines the conditions that the cable actuation forces must satisfy to maintain the static equilibrium of the joint. The stiffness modeling presented in this work demonstrates the modulation of stiffness bounds as a function of cable actuation forces. Furthermore, the stiffness modulation as a function of the geometrical parameters is also presented.
Skin tropism during Usutu virus and West Nile virus infection: an amplifying and immunological role
Authors: Vouillon Axelle , Barthelemy Jonathan , Lebeau Lucie , Nisole Sébastien , Savini Giovanni , Lévêque Nicolas , Simonin Yannick , Garcia Magali , Bodet Charles 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are closely related emerging arboviruses belonging to the
Flavivirus
genus and posing global public health concerns. Although human infection by these viruses is mainly asymptomatic, both have been associated with neurological disorders such as encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. Since USUV and WNV are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, the skin represents the initial site of virus inoculation and provides the first line of host defense. Although some data on the early stages of WNV skin infection are available, very little is known about USUV. Herein, USUV-skin resident cell interactions were characterized. Using primary human keratinocytes and fibroblasts, an early replication of USUV during the first 24 hours was shown in both skin cells. In human skin explants, a high viral tropism for keratinocytes was observed. USUV infection of these models induced type I and III interferon responses associated with upregulated expression of various interferon-stimulated genes as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine genes. Among the four USUV lineages studied, the Europe 2 strain replicated more efficiently in skin cells and induced a higher innate immune response.
In vivo
, USUV and WNV disseminated quickly from the inoculation site to distal cutaneous tissues. In addition, viral replication and persistence in skin cells were associated with an antiviral response. Taken together, these results provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the early steps of USUV infection and suggest that the skin constitutes a major amplifying organ for USUV and WNV infection.

IMPORTANCE

Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are closely related emerging
Flaviviruses
transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Since they are directly inoculated within the upper skin layers, the interactions between the virus and skin cells are critical in the pathophysiology of USUV and WNV infection. Here, during the early steps of infection, we showed that USUV can efficiently infect two human resident skin cell types at the inoculation site: the epidermal keratinocytes and the dermal fibroblasts, leading to the induction of an antiviral innate immune response. Moreover, following cutaneous inoculation, we demonstrated that both viruses can rapidly spread, replicate, and persist in all distal cutaneous tissues in mice, a phenomenon associated with a generalized skin inflammatory response. These results highlight the key amplifying and immunological role of the skin during USUV and WNV infection.
Complete genomic analysis of
Escherichia
phage Mangalyan infecting
Escherichia fergusonii
Authors: Manohar Prasanth , Young Ry 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Escherichia fergusonii
is a rarely isolated opportunistic pathogen in animals and humans. Here, we present the annotated genome sequence of
Escherichia
phage Mangalyan, a T4-like bacteriophage infecting
E. fergusonii
isolated from chickens. Phage Mangalyan has a genome length of 140,513 bp and belongs to the
Vequintavirinae
family.
Symbiotic nutrient exchange enhances the long-term survival of cassiosomes, the autonomous stinging-cell structures of
Cassiopea
Authors: Toullec Gaëlle , Lyndby Niclas Heidelberg , Banc-Prandi Guilhem , Pogoreutz Claudia , Martin Olmos Cristina , Meibom Anders , Rädecker Nils 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Medusae of the widely distributed upside-down jellyfish
Cassiopea
release autonomous, mobile stinging structures. These so-called cassiosomes play a role in predator defense and prey capture, and are major contributors to “contactless” stinging incidents in (sub-)tropical shallow waters. While the presence of endosymbiotic dinoflagellates in cassiosomes has previously been observed, their potential contribution to the metabolism and long-term survival of cassiosomes is unknown. Combining stable isotope labeling and correlative scanning electron microscopy and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging with a long-term
in vitro
experiment, our study reveals a mutualistic symbiosis based on nutritional exchanges in dinoflagellate-bearing cassiosomes. We show that organic carbon input from the dinoflagellates fuels the metabolism of the host tissue and enables anabolic nitrogen assimilation. This symbiotic nutrient exchange enhances the life span of cassiosomes for at least one month
in vitro
. Overall, our study demonstrates that cassiosomes, in analogy with
Cassiopea
medusae, are photosymbiotic holobionts. Cassiosomes, which are easily accessible under aquarium conditions, promise to be a powerful new miniaturized model system for in-depth ultrastructural and molecular investigation of cnidarian photosymbioses.

IMPORTANCE

The upside-down jellyfish
Cassiopea
releases autonomous tissue structures, which are a major cause of contactless stinging incidents in (sub-) tropical coastal waters. These so-called cassiosomes frequently harbor algal symbionts, yet their role in cassiosome functioning and survival is unknown. Our results show that cassiosomes are metabolically active and supported by algal symbionts. Algal photosynthesis enhances the cassiosomes long-term survival in the light. This functional understanding of cassiosomes thereby contributes to explaining the prevalence of contactless stinging incidents and the ecological success of some
Cassiopea
species. Finally, we show that cassiosomes are miniaturized symbiotic holobionts that can be used to study host-microbe interactions in a simplified system.
Generation of Quantum Vortices by Waves on the Surface of Superfluid Helium
Authors: Sultanova M. R. , Remizov I. A. , Mezhov-Deglin L. P. , Levchenko A. A. 
Published: December 2023

The formation of quantum vortices by two mutually perpendicular waves excited on the surface of superfluid helium has been observed. The interaction of negative charges injected under the surface of He-II with the vortex flow of the liquid, which is formed by surface waves at frequencies from 20 to 49.9 Hz, in the temperature range of 1.5–2.17 K has been studied experimentally by analyzing the current distribution detected by vertically oriented segments of a receiving collector. The efficient capture of injected charges by quantum vortices has been observed at a temperature of T = 1.5 K, which leads to a significant redistribution of currents between segments of the receiving collector. Charges leave traps on quantum vortices at temperatures near T = 1.7 K. With a further increase in the temperature, injected charges are scattered on vortex flows of the normal component, which are generated by surface waves.
Opportunities to improve asthma and COPD prevention and care: insights from the patient journey obtained through focus groups
Authors: Collins-Fairclough Aneisha , Rideout Karen , Joshi Phalgun , Philips Jeremiah , Lanier Tony , Chow Santa , Smith Dan , Hoens Alison , FitzGerald J Mark , Rauscher Chris , Strydom Nardia , Carlsten Christopher 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe healthcare experiences of patients hold valuable insights for improving the quality of services related to their well-being. We therefore invited and explored the perspectives of patients living with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on their interaction with the systems supporting health, in order to identify opportunities to improve services to prevent, treat and manage these conditions.MethodsTwo virtual focus groups were held in August 2021, one for adult asthma and one for COPD, to learn of patients’ experiences receiving care for these conditions in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region of British Columbia. Participants were recruited through online postings or their clinician. We discussed the care pathway for each condition and invited participants to share their experiences of the past 5 years, specifically their reflections on the process, including feelings, points of praise and frustration, and opportunities for improvement in this context. Composite patient journey maps were developed for each condition to reflect the experiences shared. Audio recordings of the focus groups were transcribed and used in qualitative data analysis.ResultsThematic analysis revealed the following as possible areas for improvement: low public awareness of asthma and COPD and associated risk factors, non-standardised diagnosis pathways that delay diagnosis, and inconsistency in delivering valued aspects of care such as supports for self-management, trust-inspiring acute care, empowering patient communication and timely access to care.ConclusionWe successfully used focus groups to generate composite journey maps of the experiences of patients living with asthma (n=8) and COPD (n=9) to identify features that these patients consider important for improving the healthcare system for asthma and COPD in VCH. Health professionals, decision makers and patient advocates in VCH and beyond can consider these insights when evaluating, and planning changes to, current practices and policies in service delivery.