bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profiling the antibody response of humans protected by immunization with Plasmodium vivax radiation-attenuated sporozoites
Authors: Lopez-Perez Mary , Jain Aarti , Davies D. Huw , Vásquez-Jiménez Juan M. , Herrera Sonia M. , Oñate José , Felgner Philip L. , Herrera Sócrates , Arévalo-Herrera Myriam 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMalaria sterile immunity has been reproducibly induced by immunization with Plasmodium radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS). Analyses of sera from RAS-immunized individuals allowed the identification of P. falciparum antigens, such as the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), the basis for the RTS, S and R21Matrix-M vaccines. Similar advances in P. vivax (Pv) vaccination have been elusive. We previously reported 42% (5/12) of sterile protection in malaria-unexposed, Duffy-positive (Fy +) volunteers immunized with PvRAS followed by a controlled human malaria infection (CHMI). Using a custom protein microarray displaying 515 Pv antigens, we found a significantly higher reactivity to PvCSP and one hypothetical protein (PVX_089630) in volunteers protected against P. vivax infection. In mock-vaccinated Fy + volunteers, a strong antibody response to CHMI was also observed. Although the Fy- volunteers immunized with non-irradiated Pv-infected mosquitoes (live sporozoites) did not develop malaria after CHMI, they recognized a high number of antigens, indicating the temporary presence of asexual parasites in peripheral blood. Together, our findings contribute to the understanding of the antibody response to P. vivax infection and allow the identification of novel parasite antigens as vaccine candidates.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT 01082341.
Non-invasive 3D imaging of human melanocytic lesions by combined ultrasound and photoacoustic tomography: a pilot study
Authors: Kukk Anatoly Fedorov , Scheling Felix , Panzer Rüdiger , Emmert Steffen , Roth Bernhard 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe accurate determination of the size and depth of infiltration is critical to the treatment and excision of melanoma and other skin cancers. However, current techniques, such as skin biopsy and histological examination, pose invasiveness, time-consumption, and have limitations in measuring at the deepest level. Non-invasive imaging techniques like dermoscopy and confocal microscopy also present limitations in accurately capturing contrast and depth information for various skin types and lesion locations. Thus, there is a pressing need for non-invasive devices capable of obtaining high-resolution 3D images of skin lesions. In this study, we introduce a novel device that combines 18 MHz ultrasound and photoacoustic tomography into a single unit, enabling the acquisition of colocalized 3D images of skin lesions. We performed in vivo measurements on 25 suspicious human skin nevi that were promptly excised following measurements. The combined ultrasound/photoacoustic tomography imaging technique exhibited a strong correlation with histological Breslow thickness between 0.2 and 3 mm, achieving a coefficient of determination (R$$^2$$2) of 0.93, which is superior to the coefficients from the individual modalities. The results procured in our study underscore the potential of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic tomography as a promising non-invasive 3D imaging approach for evaluating human nevi and other skin lesions. Furthermore, the system allows for integration of other optical modalities such as optical coherence tomography, microscopy, or Raman spectroscopy in future applications.
Comparison of preparation methods of rat kidney single-cell suspensions
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Shen Wanjun , Li Lin , Wang Haoran , Zhang Min , Chen Xiangmei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPreparation of kidney tissue single-cell suspensions is the basis of single-cell sequencing, flow cytometry and primary cell culture, but it is difficult to prepare high quality whole kidney single-cell suspensions because of the complex structure of the kidney. We explored a technique called stepwise enzymatic digestion (StE) method for preparing a single-cell suspension of rat whole kidney tissue which contained three main steps. The first step is to cut the kidney into a homogenate. The second step is the digestion of renal tubules using Multi Tissue Dissociation Kit 2 and the last step is the digestion of glomeruli using type IV collagenase. We also compared it with two previous techniques, mechanical grinding method and simple enzymatic digestion method. The StE method had the advantages of high intrinsic glomerular cells and immune cells harvest rate, high singlets rate and high cell viability compared with the other two techniques. In conclusion, the StE method is feasible, highly efficient, and worthy of further research and development.
Machine learning enables non-Gaussian investigation of changes to peripheral nerves related to electrical stimulation
Authors: Morales Andres W. , Du Jinze , Warren David J. , Fernández-Jover Eduardo , Martinez-Navarrete Gema , Bouteiller Jean-Marie C. , McCreery Douglas C. , Lazzi Gianluca 
Published: February 2024

AbstractElectrical stimulation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is becoming increasingly important for the therapeutic treatment of numerous disorders. Thus, as peripheral nerves are increasingly the target of electrical stimulation, it is critical to determine how, and when, electrical stimulation results in anatomical changes in neural tissue. We introduce here a convolutional neural network and support vector machines for cell segmentation and analysis of histological samples of the sciatic nerve of rats stimulated with varying current intensities. We describe the methodologies and present results that highlight the validity of the approach: machine learning enabled highly efficient nerve measurement collection, while multivariate analysis revealed notable changes to nerves’ anatomy, even when subjected to levels of stimulation thought to be safe according to the Shannon current limits.
Potential benefits of climate change on navigation in the northern sea route by 2050
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed Rami , Roushdi Mahmoud , Aboelkhear Mostafa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractClimate change has been inducing a continuous increase in temperatures within the Arctic region, consequently leading to an escalation in the rates of Arctic ice depletion. These changes have profound implications for navigation along the Arctic Northern Sea Route (NSR). However, access to the NSR is constrained to specific temporal intervals when the sea ice thickness reaches a threshold that permits safe passage of ships. This research employs climate change model simulations and the Polar Operational Limit Assessment Risk Indexing System framework to investigate the navigational feasibility of diverse ship types along NSR during the calendar years 2030, 2040, and 2050, under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. Different ship categories were analyzed within the context of these two scenarios. Results indicate considerable variation in the navigability of different ship categories across different scenarios and years. In general, polar ships demonstrate a higher navigational potential throughout most of the year, while pleasure crafts are constrained to specific periods. These findings bear significant implications for the future of shipping along the NSR. As Arctic ice continues to melt, NSR is anticipated to become more accessible to ships, albeit with navigational availability remaining contingent on the ship category and seasonal considerations.
Determination of biomarker candidates for the placenta accreta spectrum by plasma proteomic analysis
Authors: Melekoglu Rauf , Yasar Seyma , Colak Cemil , Kasap Murat , Dogan Umran Karabulut , Yologlu Saim , Yilmaz Ercan , Shazly Sherif 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPlacenta accreta spectrum (PAS) presents a significant obstetric challenge, associated with considerable maternal and fetal-neonatal morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that a noteworthy subset of PAS cases remains undetected until the time of delivery, thereby contributing to an augmented incidence of morbidity among the affected individuals. The delayed identification of PAS not only hinders timely intervention but also exacerbates the associated health risks for both the maternal and fetal outcomes. This underscores the urgency to innovate strategies for early PAS diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to explore plasma proteins as potential diagnostic biomarkers for PAS. Integrated transcriptome and proteomic analyses were conducted to establish a novel diagnostic approach. A cohort of 15 pregnant women diagnosed with PAS and delivering at Inonu University Faculty of Medicine between 01/04/2021 and 01/01/2023, along with a matched control group of 15 pregnant women without PAS complications, were enrolled. Plasma protein identification utilized enzymatic digestion and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques. Proteomic analysis identified 228 plasma proteins, of which 85 showed significant differences (P < 0.001) between PAS and control cases. We refined this to a set of 20 proteins for model construction, resulting in a highly accurate classification model (96.9% accuracy). Notable associations were observed for proteins encoded by P01859 (Immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 2), P02538 (Keratin type II cytoskeletal 6A), P29622 [Kallistatin (also known as Serpin A4)], P17900 (Ganglioside GM2 activator Calmodulin-like protein 5), and P01619 (Immunoglobulin kappa variable 3–20), with fold changes indicating their relevance in distinguishing PAS from control groups. In conclusion, our study has identified novel plasma proteins that could serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of PAS in pregnant women. Further research and validation in larger PAS cohorts are necessary to determine the clinical utility and reliability of these proteomic biomarkers for diagnosing PAS.
The effect of periodic resistance training on obese patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Li Sumei , Yuan Shouping , Zhang Jintian , Xu Feipeng , Zhu Feng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractResistance training is an exercise against resistance designed to train the endurance and strength of muscle. To observe the effect of intervention of periodic resistance training on obese patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. A total of 60 obese patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy were randomized into resistance training group and aerobic exercise group (30 patients each group) for observing the changes of blood glucose, body weight, blood lipid, insulin resistance, serum creatinine (Scr), urinary microalbumin, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) calculated by urinary creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after 12 weeks of intervention, and relevant significance as well. The number of patients with hypoglycemia during the intervention was also recorded. After 12 weeks of intervention, the weight, Body mass index (BMI), Waist, Triglyceride (TG), Cholesterol (TC), Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), Fasting glucose (FBG), Fasting insulin (FINS), Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and urine Albumin–Creatinine Ratio (uACR) were decreased and GFR was increased in both groups (P < 0.05), but the effect was more significant in the resistance training group. GFR was increased from 92.21 ± 10.67 mL/(min·1.73 m2) to 100.13 ± 12.99 mL/(min·1.73 m2) in resistance training group (P < 0.05). In the aerobic exercise group, GFR was increased from 89.98 ± 9.48 mL/(min·1.73 m2) to 92.51 ± 11.35 mL/(min·1.73 m2) (P > 0.05). Periodic resistance training can not only control the weight, blood sugar and blood lipid of obese patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy, but also improve the urinary albumin excretion rate and glomerular filtration rate of early obese patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy, and delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy. It is an effective non-drug intervention.
Use of stable isotopes to reveal trophic relationships and transmission of a food-borne pathogen
Authors: Bouchard Émilie , Bonin Michaël , Sharma Rajnish , Hernández-Ortiz Adrián , Gouin Géraldine-G. , Simon Audrey , Leighton Patrick , Jenkins Emily 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPredators in food webs are valuable sentinel species for zoonotic and multi-host pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii. This protozoan parasite is ubiquitous in warm-blooded vertebrates, and can have serious adverse effects in immunocompromised hosts and foetuses. In northern ecosystems, T. gondii is disproportionately prevalent in Inuit people and wildlife, in part due to multiple routes of transmission. We combined data on T. gondii infection in foxes from Nunavik (northern Québec, Canada) with stable isotope data tracking trophic relationships between foxes and several of their main prey species. Red (Vulpes vulpes) and Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) carcasses were collected by local trappers from 2015 to 2019. We used magnetic capture PCR to detect DNA of T. gondii in heart and brain tissues, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect antibodies in blood. By linking infection status with diet composition, we showed that infected foxes had a higher probability of consuming aquatic prey and migratory geese, suggesting that these may be important sources of T. gondii transmission in the Arctic. This use of stable isotopes to reveal parasite transmission pathways can be applied more broadly to other foodborne pathogens, and provides evidence to assess and mitigate potential human and animal health risks associated with T. gondii in northern ecosystems.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on COPD exacerbations in Japanese patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Nishioki Toshihiko , Sato Tadashi , Okajima Akifumi , Motomura Hiroaki , Takeshige Tomohito , Watanabe Junko , Yae Toshifumi , Koyama Ryo , Kido Kenji , Takahashi Kazuhisa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVarious infection control measures implemented during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have reduced the number of respiratory infections, which are the most common cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. Here, we investigated whether infectious disease prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced COPD exacerbations and the characteristics of patients exhibiting exacerbations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We included outpatients and inpatients with moderate or severe COPD exacerbations who required systemic steroids between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2022. Their medical records were retrospectively compared and analyzed in 2-year intervals (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic). During the 4-year observation period, 70,847 outpatients and 2,772 inpatients were enrolled; 55 COPD exacerbations were recorded. The number of COPD exacerbations decreased from 36 before to 19 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding the characteristics of patients with exacerbations, the % forced expiratory volume in one second (52.3% vs. 38.6%, P = 0.0224) and body mass index (BMI) (22.5 vs. 19.3, P = 0.0127) were significantly lower during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic. The number of COPD exacerbations during the pandemic decreased. Additionally, the tendency for a reduction in COPD exacerbation was greatest in patients with preserved lung function or above-standard BMI patients.
Relationship between residual visual field and full-field stimulus testing in patients with late-stage retinal degenerative diseases
Authors: Sakai Daiki , Maeda Tadao , Yamamoto Midori , Yokota Satoshi , Maeda Akiko , Hirami Yasuhiko , Nakamura Makoto , Kurimoto Yasuo , Mandai Michiko 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate how the extent and central/peripheral location of the residual visual field (VF) in patients with late-stage inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are related to retinal sensitivity detected using full-field stimulus testing (FST). We reviewed the results of Goldmann perimetry and FST from the medical records of patients with IRDs whose VF represents central (within 10°) and/or peripheral islands, or undetectable. In total, 19 patients (19 eyes) were analyzed in this study. The median value of residual VF area was 1.38%. The median values of rod and cone sensitivities were  − 14.9 dB and 7.4 dB, respectively. Patients with only the peripheral island (− 33.9 dB) had better median rod sensitivity than other groups (only central,  − 18.9 dB; both,  − 3.6 dB). VF area significantly correlated with rod sensitivity (r = − 0.943, p = 0.005) in patients with only peripheral island, but not with cone sensitivity. Peripheral VF islands were significant contributors to FST results, especially rod sensitivity. With reduced or loss of central vision, the extent of residual peripheral VF significantly affected rod sensitivity, suggesting that FST can be useful in quantitatively estimating the overall remaining vision in patients with late-stage IRD.
ATP-dependent conformational dynamics in a photoactivated adenylate cyclase revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Ujfalusi-Pozsonyi K. , Bódis E. , Nyitrai M. , Kengyel A. , Telek E. , Pécsi I. , Fekete Z. , Varnyuné Kis-Bicskei N. , Mas C. , Moussaoui D. , Pernot P. , Tully M. D. , Weik M. , Schirò G. , Kapetanaki S. M. , Lukács A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStructural insights into the photoactivated adenylate cyclases can be used to develop new ways of controlling cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels for optogenetic and other applications. In this work, we use an integrative approach that combines biophysical and structural biology methods to provide insight on the interaction of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with the dark-adapted state of the photoactivated adenylate cyclase from the cyanobacterium Oscillatoria acuminata (OaPAC). A moderate affinity of the nucleotide for the enzyme was calculated and the thermodynamic parameters of the interaction have been obtained. Stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy and small-angle solution scattering have revealed significant conformational changes in the enzyme, presumably in the adenylate cyclase (AC) domain during the allosteric mechanism of ATP binding to OaPAC with small and large-scale movements observed to the best of our knowledge for the first time in the enzyme in solution upon ATP binding. These results are in line with previously reported drastic conformational changes taking place in several class III AC domains upon nucleotide binding.
Filling in the Blank: The Development of a Writing Screener for Elementary School Students Who Speak African American English
Authors: Byrd Arynn S. , Oppenheimer Kathleen , Silverman Rebecca , Edwards Jan 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
Clinicians are tasked with using culturally and linguistically appropriate tools to evaluate oral and written language development accurately. However, limited tools account for linguistic diversity in writing. This gap can lead to under- and overdiagnosis of students who speak nonmainstream dialects. This study addressed that gap by developing a writing task to identify nonmainstream dialect features in the writing of early elementary school students. We describe the development, feasibility, and results of pilot testing of the task.

Method:
One hundred fifty-one first and second graders participated in the study as part of a larger study of nonmainstream dialect use. Students completed standardized literacy and language assessments and the researcher-developed writing task. The writing task used a novel fill-in-the-blank format to identify morphological features that vary between Mainstream American English and nonmainstream varieties such as African American English.

Results:
Second-grade students performed better on the writing task than first graders, and writing performance was strongly related to standardized literacy scores. Literacy skills were the strongest predictor of Mainstream American English use in writing, but spoken dialect use also correlated with written dialect use.

Conclusions:
The writing task captured dialect use in early elementary school students' writing, and students' performance on standardized literacy measures predicted written dialect features. These results are a first step toward developing a standardized measure to help professionals appropriately diagnose written expression disorders within linguistically diverse students.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25079891
Proactive Strategies for Breaking Barriers: Advancing Justice Initiatives in Speech-Language Pathology for Diverse Populations in Voice Management and Upper Airway Disorders
Authors: Moonsammy Sean U. , Procter Teresa , Goodwin Maurice E. , Crumpton Phoebe 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
This clinical focus article examines the importance of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) initiatives in the field of speech-language pathology, particularly in the context of voice management and upper airway disorders.

Method:
We begin by acknowledging the growing focus on JEDI-related strategies, such as supporting students from diverse cultural backgrounds, measuring clinician competence in working with diverse clients, and increasing awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity in patient populations. We emphasize the need for both individual and systemic efforts to develop competence in JEDI initiatives. However, challenges exist in developing culturally responsive materials and documentation at a macro level, including the lack of research and resources in understanding the needs of diverse patient populations in voice and upper airway disorders. The clinical focus article highlights the absence of demographic data related to cultural and linguistic diversity in this field and discusses the challenges in developing language-specific materials, culturally relevant assessment tools, and therapeutic interventions aligned with cultural values and standards. Limited funding and resources further impede progress in JEDI initiatives and the development of tailored intervention models. Recognizing the impossibility of accounting for every unique intersectionality, the clinical focus article offers foundational steps toward creating an inclusive space and providing culturally responsive health care. It specifically focuses on gender-inclusive care, diagnostic considerations for socially linguistically diverse individuals, and addressing issues of clinical ableism.

Conclusion:
The clinical focus article aims to identify and expand upon current resources for culturally responsive practice in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, particularly in the context of voice and upper airway disorders.