bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caudal regression syndrome type 1 with minimally invasive computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging autopsy: a case report
Authors: Ayoub Mira , Dixon Chanae , Byrd Sharon E. , Bowker Rakhee M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Caudal regression syndrome is a rare complex congenital anomaly with reduced penetrance and phenotypic variability characterized by osseous defects of the caudal spine, lower limb anomalies, and accompanying genitourinary, gastrointestinal/anorectal, and cardiac system soft tissue defects. We report a rare presentation of type 1 caudal regression syndrome in a pregnant woman with preexisting diabetes, in which early recognition of severe fetal anomalies on routine antenatal ultrasound facilitated confirmation with fetal magnetic resonance imaging to characterize extent of disease and prognosticate fetal outcome.

Case presentation
This case of type 1 caudal regression syndrome in the setting of maternal pregestational diabetes mellitus resulted in stillbirth. The mother was a 29-year-old Caucasian primigravida female with past medical history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes managed with metformin prior to pregnancy, prompting admission for glucose management and initiation of insulin at 13 weeks. Baseline hemoglobin A1c was high at 8.0%. Fetal ultrasound at 22 weeks was notable for severe sacral agenesis, bilateral renal pelvis dilatation, single umbilical artery, and pulmonary hypoplasia. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging at 29 weeks showed absent lower two-thirds of the spine with corresponding spinal cord abnormality compatible with type 1 caudal regression syndrome. The mother delivered a male stillborn at 39 and 3/7 weeks. Minimally invasive postmortem magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography autopsy were performed to confirm clinical findings when family declined conventional autopsy. Etiology of sacral agenesis was attributed to poorly controlled maternal diabetes early in gestation.

Conclusion
Maternal preexisting diabetes is a known risk factor for development of congenital malformations. This rare case of type 1 caudal regression syndrome in a mother with preexisting diabetes with elevated hemoglobin A1c highlights the importance of preconception glycemic control in diabetic women and the utility of fetal magnetic resonance imaging for confirmation of ultrasound findings to permit accurate prognostication. Additionally, minimally invasive postmortem magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography autopsy can facilitate diagnostic confirmation of clinical findings in perinatal death due to complex congenital anomalies while limiting the emotional burden on bereaved family members who decline conventional autopsy.
Improvement of the conjugation transfer of N. gerenzanensis based on the synergistic effect of quorum sensing and antibiotic interference
Authors: shi Shi , Cheng Yutong , Wang Shuai , Zhang Xiangmei , Han Fubo , Li Xiaojing , Dong Huijun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNonomuraea gerenzanensis (N. gerenzanensis) is known for its ability to biosynthesize A40926, the precursor of the glycopeptide antibiotic (GPA) Dalbavancin. However, challenges and uncertainties related to the genetic manipulation of the rare actinomycetes remain. In order to improve the conjugation transfer of N. gerenzanensis, the crucial factors affecting conjugal transfer were evaluated, including agar medium, mycelial state, donor-recipient ratio, magnesium ion concentration, and antibiotic coverage time firstly. Additionally, γ-butyrolactone (GBL) for quorum sensing (QS) and antibiotics targeting bacterial walls were applied to evaluate their effects on conjugation transfer. As a result, the optimal conditions of 5%TSB of liquid medium, 24 h of the period time, V0.1 of agar medium, 30 mM of magnesium ion, the ratio 10:1 of donor-to-recipient, and 27 h of the overlaying time of antibiotic were determined. Furthermore, the results showed that autoinducer GBL and GPA teicoplanin had a synergetic effect on the conjugation transfer of N. gerenzanensis at a working concentration of 60 µM and 0.5 µg mL−1, respectively. The highest conjugation efficiency could reach about 1.3 depending on the optimal process conditions and the interference of QS and antibiotics.
Influence of different noninvasive oxygenation support devices on tidal volume
Authors: Haudebourg Anne-Fleur , Maraffi Tommaso , Tuffet Samuel , Le Corvoisier Philippe , Mekontso Dessap Armand , Carteaux Guillaume 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Multiple devices are available for noninvasive oxygenation support, including non-rebreather oxygen mask (O2-mask), high-flow oxygen through nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), mask noninvasive ventilation (Mask-NIV) and helmet NIV (Helmet-NIV). As tidal volume is a key determinant of efficacy and safety during ventilatory support, we assessed whether it was influenced by the type of noninvasive oxygenation device.

Methods
A bench study using a manikin with a realistic face connected to a lung simulator was performed. Six conditions were assessed: no device, O2-mask, HFNC, CPAP, Mask-NIV and Helmet-NIV. Three respiratory mechanics were simulated (normal, obstructive, restrictive), at three simulated efforts (low, moderate, respiratory distress). Flow was recorded at the lung simulator inlet and mouth pressure into the manikin mouth. The same devices were evaluated on healthy volunteers with tidal volume assessed by electrical impedance tomography (EIT).

Results
Tidal volume was significantly influenced by oxygenation devices in bench model. As compared to O2-mask, HFNC and CPAP delivered significantly lower tidal volumes (440 ± 352 mL, 414 ± 333 mL and 377 ± 297 mL, respectively), while Mask-NIV or Helmet-NIV were associated with significantly higher tidal volumes (690 ± 321 mL and 652 ± 366 mL, respectively). Tidal volume was strongly correlated with the specific effect of each device on mouth pressure during inspiration: HFNC and CPAP were characterized by a negative PTPmouth (− 0.3 [− 0.8 to − 0.2] and − 0.7 [− 2.2 to − 0.5] cmH2O.sec/cycle, respectively), while Helmet-NIV and Mask-NIV were associated with a positive PTPmouth (4.5 [4.1–4.6] and 6.1 [5.9–7.1] cmH2O.sec/cycle, respectively). Tidal volume was also significantly influenced by oxygenation devices in healthy volunteers, with similar tidal volumes between O2-mask and CPAP (644 [571–764] and 648 [586–770] mL) but higher with HFNC, Mask-NIV and Helmet-NIV (819 [609–918], 1110 [661–1305] and 1086 [833–1243] mL).

Conclusions
Tidal volume is significantly influenced by noninvasive oxygenation support devices, with a strong correlation with the pressure variation generated into the mouth during inspiration. NIV was associated with the highest tidal volumes and CPAP with the lowest ones. Clinical studies are needed to clarify the clinical implications of these effects.
The effect of animal-assisted interventions on the course of neurological diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Mittly Veronika , Farkas-Kirov Cecilia , Zana Ágnes , Szabó Kata , Ónodi-Szabó Veronika , Purebl György 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
In our experience, working with a therapy animal strengthens endurance, maintains motivation, provides a sense of achievement, and boosts overall mental resilience. The aims of this work were to summarize the results of quantitative research on the possibilities of animal-assisted intervention (AAI) among people with neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases and to attempt to assess the effects of animal-assisted interventions in an objective manner and to find supporting evidence based on published literature.

Methods
Our target groups are people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. A systematic search of relevant articles was conducted by two independent researchers in April 2021 and August 2023. The search for studies was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid databases, specifying keywords and search criteria. The qualitative evaluation of the research reports was conducted by four independent researchers, using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Form.

Results
According to the scientific criteria and based on the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Form, thirteen publications met the search criteria, out of which 9 publications were rated good and 4 publications were rated poor. Evaluating the publications we found evidence that AAI had a measurable impact on participants, as their physical and mental health status significantly improved; however, mental health improvement was more prominent.

Conclusions
By developing evidence-based research methodology and standardized research settings, AAI could be measured effectively as part of health care practice. This would bring significant benefits to the rehabilitation of patients in need.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42021255776.
Hypothetical protein CuvA (Rv1422) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv interacts with uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine as a key precursor of cell wall
Authors: Jeong Yoon Chae , Park Jihyun , Cheon Yu Jeong , Lee Ki Seog 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis CuvA (Rv1422, MtCuvA) has previously been suggested that it may play a critical role in nutrient utilization and cell wall synthesis required for physiological adaptation in a host cell, but its biochemical details remain unclear. Our previous studies showed that MtCuvA can bind to uridine diphosphate (UDP) sugars as a cell wall precursor component. To verify its functional roles, we report here the biochemical properties of MtCuvA for the binding of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) using site-directed mutagenesis and docking simulation. The KD values for UDP-sugars indicate that MtCuvA prefers to bind UDP-GlcNAc as a physiological ligand compared to UDP-glucose. Mutational studies of MtCuvA showed that H12A, T33A, D36A, Q154A, S196, T199A, N226A, and H298A mutants significantly affected the binding to UDP-GlcNAc. We also observed that UDP, but not GlcNAc, could bind to MtCuvA. These results imply that the presence of UDP moiety in the ligand is necessary for interaction with MtCuvA. Moreover, mutational studies of MtCuvA with UDP showed that residues H12, S196, T199, N226, and H298 may be involved in its binding to the UDP moiety, almost consistent with the docking simulation results. Our results provide an insight into the interaction of MtCuvA with UDP-GlcNAc as a key precursor of peptidoglycan.
Activating transcription factor (ATF) 6 upregulates cystathionine β synthetase (CBS) expression and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) synthesis to ameliorate liver metabolic damage
Authors: Dong Bingzi , Sun Ying , Cheng Bingfei , Xue Yu , Li Wei , Sun Xiaofang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractActivating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) is an endoplasmic reticulum stress responsive gene. We previously reported that conditional knockout of hepatic ATF6 exacerbated liver metabolic damage by repressing autophagy through mTOR pathway. However, the mechanism by which ATF6 influence liver metabolism has not been well established. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous signaling molecule that plays an important role in regulating inflammation, and suppress nonalcoholic fatty liver in mice. Based on the previous study, we assumed that ATF6 may regulate H2S production to participate in liver metabolism. In order to clarify the mechanism by which ATF6 regulates H2S synthesis to ameliorate liver steatosis and inflammatory environment, we conducted the present study. We used the liver specific ATF6 knockout mice and fed on high-fat-diet, and found that H2S level was significantly downregulated in hepatic ATF6 knockout mice. Restoring H2S by the administration of slow H2S releasing agent GYY4137 ameliorated the hepatic steatosis and glucose tolerance. ATF6 directly binds to the promoter of cystathionine β synthetase (CBS), an important enzyme in H2S synthesis. Thus, ATF6 could upregulate H2S production through CBS. Sulfhydrated Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) was downregulated in ATF6 knockout mice. The expression of pro-inflammatory factor IL-17A was upregulated and anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was downregulated in ATF6 knockout mice. Our results suggest that ATF6 can transcriptionally enhance CBS expression as well as H2S synthesis. ATF6 increases SIRT1 sulfhydration and ameliorates lipogenesis and inflammation in the fatty liver. Therefore, ATF6 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for high-fat diet induced fatty liver metabolic abnormalities.
Multi-site microbiota alteration is a hallmark of kidney stone formation
Authors: Al Kait F. , Joris Benjamin R. , Daisley Brendan A. , Chmiel John A. , Bjazevic Jennifer , Reid Gregor , Gloor Gregory B. , Denstedt John D. , Razvi Hassan , Burton Jeremy P. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundInquiry of microbiota involvement in kidney stone disease (KSD) has largely focussed on potential oxalate handling abilities by gut bacteria and the increased association with antibiotic exposure. By systematically comparing the gut, urinary, and oral microbiota of 83 stone formers (SF) and 30 healthy controls (HC), we provide a unified assessment of the bacterial contribution to KSD.ResultsAmplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing approaches were consistent in identifying multi-site microbiota disturbances in SF relative to HC. Biomarker taxa, reduced taxonomic and functional diversity, functional replacement of core bioenergetic pathways with virulence-associated gene markers, and community network collapse defined SF, but differences between cohorts did not extend to oxalate metabolism.ConclusionsWe conclude that multi-site microbiota alteration is a hallmark of SF, and KSD treatment should consider microbial functional restoration and the avoidance of aberrant modulators such as poor diet and antibiotics where applicable to prevent stone recurrence.
The association between adolescents’ self-esteem and perceived mental well-being in Sweden in four years of follow-up
Authors: Carlén Kristina , Suominen Sakari , Augustine Lilly 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The situation concerning adolescent mental health is a global public health concern, and the concept includes the ability to cope with problems of everyday life. A person’s approach and attitude towards themselves, i.e., their self-esteem, affects mental health. The study aimed to appraise and deepen the scientific understanding of adolescents’ self-reported self-esteem at age 12−13 from a resource perspective and test its ability to predict subsequent perceived mental well-being at age 17.

Methods
Data from the Longitudinal Research on Development in Adolescence (LoRDIA) prospective follow-up study of adolescents aged 12−13, and 17 (n = 654) were analysed using ANCOVA. The outcome variable, perceived mental well-being (MWB), covers the aspects of mental well-being inspired by the “Mental Health Continuum,” representing positive mental health. Covariates were self-esteem (SE) and reported initially perceived MWB at age 12−13. Other independent explanatory variables were gender, the family’s economy, and the mother’s educational level.

Results
Self-esteem appeared relatively stable from 12−13 to 17 years (M = 20.7 SD = 5.8 vs. M = 20.5 SD = 1.7). There was a significant but inverted U – shaped association between SE at age 12–13 and perceived MWB at age 17 [F (1, 646) = 19.02, β-0.057; CI -0.08−-0.03, Eta = 0.03, p = .000]. Intermediate but not strong SE predicted significantly good MWB. When conducting the ANCOVA for boys and girls separately, only the mother’s educational level was significantly positively associated with perceived MWB of girls.

Conclusions
Good self-esteem in early adolescence increases the likelihood of an unchanged favourable development of self-esteem and the probability of good perceived mental well-being. SE explained 18 per cent of the variation of MWB, and even more among girls. However, normal SE rather than high SE at 12 and 13 years is predictive of later mental well-being. Girls reported low self-esteem more often. Therefore, supporting self-esteem early in life can promote mental well-being in adolescence.
Anthropometric screening approach for obstructive sleep apnea in Japanese men: development and validation of the ABC scale
Authors: Hirasawa Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Mina , Nakayama Hideaki , Yanagihara Mariko , Inoue Yuichi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The existing screening tools for the detection of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are tailored to Western individuals. The aim of this study was to formulate and validate a simple anthropometric tool for OSA screening in a Japanese male population by incorporating objective indicators obtained during routine medical checkups.

Methods
In total, 443 Japanese men, who were suspected of having OSA and visited our sleep disorder clinic from 2009 to 2012, were retrospectively divided into two groups (development group [DG], n = 206; validation group [VG], n = 237). In the DG, OSA was defined as an apnea–hypopnea index of ≥ 15 events/h. Data regarding clinical and anthropometric variables (age, body mass index [BMI], neck circumference [NC], waist circumference [WC]) were obtained. For parameters that were associated with OSA on simple logistic regression analysis, cutoff values were calculated with receiver operating characteristic curves to create a new screening tool. The utility of the tool was evaluated in the VG and compared to that of the modified Berlin questionnaire (mBQ) for OSA.

Results
Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.033, p = 0.002), BMI (OR = 1.231, p < 0.001), NC (OR = 1.327, p < 0.001), and WC (OR = 1.083, p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for OSA in the DG. Cutoff values for the prediction of OSA were age: ≥ 46.5 years, BMI: ≥ 25.45 kg/m2, NC: ≥ 38.35 cm, and WC: ≥ 90.75 cm. Our screening tool, incorporating age, BMI, and WC, yielded 70.1% sensitivity (mBQ: 85.4%) and 66.0% specificity (mBQ: 35.0%) in the VG.

Conclusions
OSA screening in Japanese men has been conducted only in limited settings such as sleep clinics. The study findings support the implementation of screening in medical checkups using objective indices to enable early detection and treatment of OSA.
Role of the Degree of Vascular Invasion in Predicting Prognosis of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Yamazaki Haruhiko , Sugino Kiminori , Katoh Ryohei , Matsuzu Kenichi , Kitagawa Wataru , Nagahama Mitsuji , Rino Yasushi , Saito Aya , Ito Koichi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
The present study investigated the prognostic factors for follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) with the incorporation of the histologic subtype and degree of vascular invasion (VI).

Patients
The records of 474 patients with FTC confirmed by surgical specimens at Ito Hospital from January 2005 to December 2014 were reviewed in this retrospective cohort study. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine factors associated with disease-free survival (DFS) and distant metastasis-free survival.

Results
Of the 474 patients, 140 (30%) had minimally invasive FTC, 260 (55%) had encapsulated angio-invasive FTC, and 74 (16%) had widely invasive FTC. Among the 428 patients with M0 FTC, the 10-year DFS rates of patients with minimally invasive FTC (n = 133), encapsulated angio-invasive FTC (n = 247), and widely invasive FTC (n = 48) were 97.3%, 84.2%, and 69.9% (P &lt; .001), respectively. A multivariate analysis identified aged ≥55 years (hazard ratio [HR], 2.204; 95% CI, 1.223-3.969; P = .009), histologic subtype (HR, 2.068; 95% CI, 1.064-4.021; P = .032), VI of ≥2 (HR, 6.814; 95% CI, 3.157-14.710; P &lt; .001), and tumor size &gt;40 mm (HR, 2.014; 95% CI, 1.089-3.727; P = .026) as independent negative prognostic factors for DFS.

Conclusion
Our study results may enable us to stratify the prognosis of FTC more accurately by combining the histologic subtype with the degree of VI ≥2, aged ≥55 years, and tumor size &gt;40 mm.
Gastrofashion: From Haute Cuisine to Haute Couture, Adam Geczy and Vicki Karaminas (2022)
Authors: Rössig Lara 
Published: November 2023

Review of: Gastrofashion: From Haute Cuisine to Haute Couture, Adam Geczy and Vicki Karaminas (2022)
London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 248 pp.,
ISBN 978-1-35014-750-8, p/bk, $32.35
Rei Kawakubo: For and against Fashion, Rex Butler (ed.) (2022)
Authors: Stwodah Hawa 
Published: November 2023

Review of: Rei Kawakubo: For and against Fashion, Rex Butler (ed.) (2022)
London and New York: Bloomsbury Visual Arts, 236 pp.,
ISBN 978-1-35011-822-5, h/bk, $115.00
Muscle fatigue, bioenergetic responses and metabolic economy during load‐ and velocity‐based maximal dynamic contractions in young and older adults
Authors: Fitzgerald Liam F. , Bartlett Miles F. , Kent Jane A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe evaluated whether task‐dependent, age‐related differences in muscle fatigue (contraction‐induced decline in normalized power) develop from differences in bioenergetics or metabolic economy (ME; mass‐normalized work/mM ATP). We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to quantify intracellular metabolites in vastus lateralis muscle of 10 young and 10 older adults during two maximal‐effort, 4‐min isotonic (20% maximal torque) and isokinetic (120°s−1) contraction protocols. Fatigue, inorganic phosphate (Pi), and pH (p ≥ 0.213) differed by age during isotonic contractions. However, older had less fatigue (p ≤ 0.011) and metabolic perturbation (lower [Pi], greater pH; p ≤ 0.031) than young during isokinetic contractions. ME was lower in older than young during isotonic contractions (p ≤ 0.003), but not associated with fatigue in either protocol or group. Rather, fatigue during both tasks was linearly related to changes in [H+], in both groups. The slope of fatigue versus [H+] was 50% lower in older than young during isokinetic contractions (p ≤ 0.023), consistent with less fatigue in older during this protocol. Overall, regardless of age or task type, acidosis, but not ME, was the primary mechanism for fatigue in vivo. The source of the age‐related differences in contraction‐induced acidosis in vivo remains to be determined, as does the apparent task‐dependent difference in the sensitivity of muscle to [H+].
A two-stage parallel hybrid method for power system dynamic security assessment
Authors: Kyesswa Michael , Çakmak Hüseyin K. , Kühnapfel Uwe , Hagenmeyer Veit 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The present paper introduces a hybrid method based on both the Lyapunov’s direct approach using the Potential Energy Boundary Surface method and parallel time-domain simulation for fast power system dynamic security assessment. The main contribution in the presented method is an approach that combines the directional derivative of the potential energy function and the maximum potential energy criterion in order to reduce the conservativeness in the estimation of the stability region at the direct method stage. For detailed investigation of the critical contingencies, a parallel approach is applied at the time-domain simulation stage. From the simulation results, the proposed method achieves a high level of accuracy in classifying network contingencies and shows great computational performance potential in light of the requirement for fast dynamic security assessment.