bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular vesicles from
Pneumocystis carinii
-infected rats impair fungal viability but are dispensable for macrophage functions
Authors: Sayson Steven G. , Ashbaugh Alan , Cushion Melanie T. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Pneumocystis
spp. are host obligate fungal pathogens that can cause severe pneumonia in mammals and rely heavily on their host for essential nutrients. The lack of a sustainable
in vitro
culture system poses challenges in understanding their metabolism, and the acquisition of essential nutrients from host lungs remains unexplored. Transmission electron micrographs show that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are found near
Pneumocystis
spp. within the lung. We hypothesized that EVs transport essential nutrients to the fungi during infection. To investigate this, EVs from
P. carinii
- and
P. murina
-infected rodents were biochemically and functionally characterized. These EVs contained host proteins involved in cellular, metabolic, and immune processes as well as proteins with homologs found in other fungal EV proteomes, indicating that
Pneumocystis
may release EVs. Notably, EV uptake by
P. carinii
indicated their potential involvement in nutrient acquisition and a possibility for using engineered EVs for efficient therapeutic delivery. However, EVs added to
P. carinii in vitro
did not show increased growth or viability, implying that additional nutrients or factors are necessary to support their metabolic requirements. Exposure of macrophages to EVs increased proinflammatory cytokine levels but did not affect macrophages’ ability to kill or phagocytose
P. carinii
. These findings provide vital insights into
P. carinii
and host EV interactions, yet the mechanisms underlying
P. carinii
’s survival in the lung remain uncertain. These studies are the first to isolate, characterize, and functionally assess EVs from
Pneumocystis
-infected rodents, promising to enhance our understanding of host-pathogen dynamics and therapeutic potential.

IMPORTANCE

Pneumocystis
spp. are fungal pathogens that can cause severe pneumonia in mammals, relying heavily on the host for essential nutrients. The absence of an
in vitro
culture system poses challenges in understanding their metabolism, and the acquisition of vital nutrients from host lungs remains unexplored. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are found near
Pneumocystis
spp., and it is hypothesized that these vesicles transport nutrients to the pathogenic fungi.
Pneumocystis
proteins within the EVs showed homology to other fungal EV proteomes, suggesting that
Pneumocystis
spp. release EVs. While EVs did not significantly enhance
P. carinii
growth
in vitro
,
P. carinii
displayed active uptake of these vesicles. Moreover, EVs induced proinflammatory cytokine production in macrophages without compromising their ability to combat
P. carinii
. These findings provide valuable insights into EV dynamics during host-pathogen interactions in
Pneumocystis
pneumonia. However, the precise underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. This research also raises the potential for engineered EVs in therapeutic applications.
Supplemental Material: Submarine hydrothermal fluids facilitated the accumulation of cadmium in Lower Cambrian black shales, South China
Authors: Zhou Zhengbing , Wen Hanjie , al. et 
Published: January 2024

<p>Data S1-1: Trace element concentrations of Early Cambrian metalliferous units. Data S1-2: Trace element concentrations of barren shales. Data S2: Elements concentrations of sphalerite of barite ores and Zn-Pb sulfide ores (in wt%). Figure S1: Stratigraphic sections of Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in platform, slope, and basin facies from the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block (modified from Fu et al., 2016; Wang, 2017; Shi et al., 2021). Figure S2: The stratigraphic sections of the Liuchapo Formation and the Niutitang Formation, as revealed by drill cores in the Dahebian barite deposit. Figure S3: Total organic carbon (TOC) contents of Lower Cambrian metalliferous units (Ni-Mo–PGE sulfide layer—Xu et al., 2021; V-deposit—Xu et al. 2021, sulfide-bearing barite sediments—Yang et al., 2023). </p>
Hydrocortisone in very preterm neonates for BPD prevention: meta-analysis and effect size modifiers
Authors: De Luca Daniele , Ferraioli Sara , Watterberg Kristi L , Baud Olivier , Gualano Maria Rosaria 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesTo clarify if systemic hydrocortisone, in protocols allowing to start it before the 15th day of life, prevents bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or other adverse outcomes in very preterm neonates, and to identify any possible effect size modifiers.Study designSystematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Additional analyses included meta-regressions and review of biological plausibility.ResultsSeven trials were included, they were of general good quality and accounted for a total of 2193 infants. Hydrocortisone treatment did not reduce BPD (risk ratio (RR) 0.84 (95% CI 0.64 to 1.04)), but heterogeneity was evident (I2=51.6%). The effect size for BPD is greatest for 10–12 days duration of treatment (β=0.032 (0.01), p=0.007) and tended to be greater in patients with chorioamnionitis (β=−1.5 (0.841), p=0.07). Hydrocortisone treatment may significantly reduce mortality (RR 0.75 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.91)), there is no heterogeneity (I2=0) and the reduction tended to be greater in males (β=−0.06 (0.03), p=0.07). Hydrocortisone may significantly reduce necrotising enterocolitis (NEC; RR 0.72 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.92)); there is neither heterogeneity (I2=0%) nor any effect size modifiers. Hydrocortisone did not affect other adverse outcomes of prematurity.ConclusionsSystemic hydrocortisone may be considered, on a case-by-case evaluation, to reduce mortality and NEC, while it does not affect BPD. There are some potential effect size modifiers for mortality and BPD which should be addressed in future explanatory trials.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023400520.
Predictors of dysphagia screening and pneumonia among patients with intracerebral haemorrhage in China: a cross-sectional hospital-based retrospective study
Authors: Deng Yong-Mei , Sun Jin-Ju , Gu Hong-Qiu , Yang Kai-Xuan , Wang Yong-Jun , Li Zi-Xiao , Zhao Xing-Quan 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate factors associated with undergoing dysphagia screening (DS) and developing pneumonia, as well as the relationship between DS and pneumonia in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).DesignOur study was a cross-sectional hospital-based retrospective study.Study design and settingsWe derived data from the China Stroke Centre Alliance, a nationwide clinical registry of ICH from 1476 participating hospitals in mainland China. To identify predictors for pneumonia, multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify patient characteristics that were independently associated with DS and pneumonia.ParticipantsWe included 31 546 patients in this study with patient characteristics, admission location, medical history, hospital characteristics and hospital grade from August 2015 to July 2019.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were DS and pneumonia during acute hospitalisation.ResultsIn total, 25 749 (81.6%) and 7257 (23.0%) patients with ICH underwent DS and developed pneumonia. Compared with patients without pneumonia, those who developed pneumonia were older and had severe strokes (Glasgow Coma Scale 9–13: 52.7% vs 26.9%). Multivariable analyses revealed that a higher pneumonia risk was associated with dysphagia (OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 4.02 to 4.68), heart failure (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.77) and smoking (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.12 to 0.20). DS was associated with lower odds of pneumonia (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.95).ConclusionOur findings further confirm that dysphagia is an independent risk factor for pneumonia; one-fifth of patients with ICH did not undergo DS. However, comprehensive dysphagia evaluation and effective management are crucial. Nursing processes ensure the collection of complete and accurate information during evaluation of patients. There is a need to increase the rate of DS in patients with ICH, especially those with severe stroke or older. Further, randomised controlled trials are warranted to determine the effectiveness of DS on clinical outcomes.
Use of sacubitril/valsartan early after CABG
Authors: Nurzhanova Madina , Musagaliyeva Aisulu , Zhakypova Raushan , Senkibayeva Daniya , Rakisheva Amina 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) remains a major public health problem with a high mortality and morbidity worldwide. Currently, there is no optimal revascularisation strategy for patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy despite suggestions that coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) may be superior to medical therapy in improving survival. However, CABG may be associated with substantial risk in HF subjects. We therefore aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the early initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in haemodynamically stabilised patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) after early CABG.MethodsThis was an open-label study in which ~80 patients after CABG were randomised either to the early or late initiation of the sacubitril-valsartan. The study included patients >40 years with left ventricular ejection fraction <45% and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–IV at the early stage after CABG. Patients underwent intervention, the starting dose of sacubitril/valsartan (24/26 mg or 49/51 mg two times per day). The follow-up took place every 4 weeks except the first visit, which took place in 2 weeks after initiation. The primary endpoint assessed the key safety outcomes, the secondary endpoints were: the quality of life measured, the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) changes and 6 min walk test (6MWT).ResultsIn total, 83 patients were screened and 77 patients were enrolled. The majority of patients (84.4%) were in the NYHA class III at randomisation. The number of patients who discontinued the study was low in both groups (2.5%, 5.2%), and renal function, hyperkalaemia and symptomatic hypotension rarely seen in both groups did not differ significantly. The improvement in quality of life and distance at the 6MWT in both groups was significant (p<0.001). The NT-proBNP concentration decreased in both groups, the significant reduction was in the early group (p<0.001) versus the postdischarge group.ConclusionsThe early initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in patients after CABG with HFrEF is safe and effective. Adverse events and permanent discontinuation were low. The NT-proBNP concentration reduced significantly with the early in-hospital initiation.
Particle production by a relativistic semitransparent mirror of finite size and thickness
Authors: Lin Kuan-Nan , Chen Pisin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractProduction of massless scalar particles by a relativistic semitransparent mirror of finite transverse size and longitudinal thickness in (1+3)D flat spacetime is studied. The derived particle spectrum formula is applied to two specific trajectories. One is the gravitational collapse trajectory invoked in (1+1)D perfectly reflecting moving mirror literature to mimic Hawking radiation, and the other is the plasma mirror trajectory proposed to be realizable in future experiments. It is found that the finiteness of the transverse size leads to diffraction, while the nontrivial thickness amplifies the production rate. We also estimated the particle yield as $$\sim 3000$$

∼
3000

in a 20-day data acquisition based on the parameters invoked in the proposed AnaBHEL experiment.
Why Bother Localizing Information Technology Products?
Authors: Tray Alex 
Published: January 2024

The
Communications
website, https://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM
https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm
Alex Tray offers advice and insight into how and why to localize information technology products.
Associations of Sarcopenia and Body Composition Measures With Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Stein Elliot J. , Neill Colin , Nair Sangeeta , Terry J. Greg , Carr J. Jeffrey , Fearon William F. , Elmariah Sammy , Kim Juyong B. , Kapadia Samir , Kumbhani Dharam J. , Gillam Linda , Whisenant Brian , Quader Nishath , Zajarias Alan , Welt Frederick G. , Bavry Anthony A. , Coylewright Megan , Piana Robert , Mallugari Ravinder R. , Vatterott Anna , Jackson Natalie , Huang Shi , Lindman Brian R. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Frailty associates with worse outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Sarcopenia underlies frailty, but the association between a comprehensive assessment of sarcopenia—muscle mass, strength, and performance—and outcomes after TAVR has not been examined.

Methods:
From a multicenter prospective registry of patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR, 445 who had a preprocedure computed tomography and clinical assessment of frailty were included. Cross-sectional muscle (psoas and paraspinal) areas were measured on computed tomography and indexed to height. Gait speed and handgrip strength were obtained, and patients were dichotomized into fast versus slow; strong versus weak; and normal versus low muscle mass. As measures of body composition, cross-sectional fat (subcutaneous and visceral) was measured and indexed to height.

RESULTS:

The frequency of patients who were slow, weak, and had low muscle mass was 56%, 59%, and 42%, respectively. Among the 3 components of sarcopenia, only slower gait speed (muscle performance) was independently associated with increased post-TAVR mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.12 per 0.1 m/s decrease [95% CI, 1.04–1.21];
P
=0.004; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.38 per 1 SD decrease [95% CI, 1.11–1.72];
P
=0.004). Meeting multiple sarcopenia criteria was not associated with higher mortality risk than fewer. Lower indexed visceral fat area (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.48 per 1 SD decrease [95% CI, 1.15–1.89];
P
=0.002) was associated with mortality but indexed subcutaneous fat was not. Death occurred in 169 (38%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS:
Among patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and comprehensive sarcopenia and body composition phenotyping, gait speed was the only sarcopenia measure associated with post-TAVR mortality. Lower visceral fat was also associated with increased risk pointing to an obesity paradox also observed in other patient populations. These findings reinforce the clinical utility of gait speed as a measure of risk and a potential target for adjunctive interventions alongside TAVR to optimize clinical outcomes.
Sexual dimorphism and ecomorphology of the Berthold’s bush anole (Polychrus gutturosus) in Costa Rica
Authors: Barquero Marco D. , Arguedas Viviana , Ovares Lizbeth , Vargas Rodolfo , Arguedas Randall 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Morphological variation present within a species is the result of sexual or natural selection and determines the ecological relationships (i.e., ecomorphology) and the degree of sexual dimorphism. For most lizard species, either males or females are the larger sex, suggesting that selection operates differently on each sex. Thus, differences in morphology can determine the habitat use made by males and females. Here we use the Berthold’s bush anole (Polychrus gutturosus), a rare arboreal, diurnal lizard, to examine whether morphological and ecological measures differ among sexes and whether such potential differences emerge as a result of resource partitioning. We measured the morphology of wild individuals from one population and from preserved specimens collected in Costa Rica. We collected data on nine morphological measurements, nocturnal body and air temperatures, and sleeping perch height. We measured 45 wild individuals (22 males and 23 females) and 17 preserved specimens (6 males and 11 females). We found a female-biased body size, and male-biased tail length, head dimensions, and limb lengths. We also observed differences between males and females in body color and the size and shape of femoral pores, although these differences require quantification. We did not find sex differences in sleeping perch height or nocturnal body temperature. Our results demonstrate that resource partitioning does not explain differences among sexes, and that female-biased body size in P. gutturosus might reflect selection operating on increased fecundity.
Reviewing Review: Administrative Justice and the Immigration Assessment Authority
Authors: Elton Amy 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Immigration Assessment Authority (‘IAA’) provides the final merits review mechanism for people seeking asylum by boat in Australia. For fast-track applicants, the outcome of IAA review is incredibly significant, with consequences ranging from resettlement in Australia, removal to an applicant’s country of origin or indefinite immigration detention in harsh conditions. Eight years since its introduction, this article asks whether the IAA has realised the goal of promoting efficient review whilst meeting other important administrative objectives. The article takes a novel approach, applying a pre-formulated theory of administrative justice to analyse whether the IAA has balanced administrative justice properties. In so doing, this article offers a unique lens to critically reflect on the role of the IAA and whether, once its mandate is ended, this new model of review should be abandoned or revived for future merits review of asylum claims.
A randomized controlled trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation plus donepezil vs donepezil alone for mild to moderate cognitive impairment due to small vessel cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Shou Bijiang , Chen Xuan , Hou Yuli 
Published: January 2024

Objectives Small vessel cerebrovascular disease (SVCVD) accounts for 35% to 67% of vascular dementias, and may be overlooked by healthcare providers due to its insidious onset. SVCVD involves chronic cerebral ischemia and hypoperfusion, endothelial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier disruption, and interstitial fluid reflux. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with donepezil hydrochloride compared to donepezil alone in the treatment of mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment in patients with SVCVD. Material and methods A cohort of 115 individuals with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment due to SVCVD was purposefully selected and randomized into two groups: a test group and a control group. The test group received a combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and oral donepezil hydrochloride (10 mg/day), while the control group received oral donepezil alone (10 mg/day). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were evaluated in both groups prior to and following the interventions. Results Following 6 weeks of treatment, both groups demonstrated enhancement in cognitive function. However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the test group and the control group ( p < .05 on both the MMSE and the MOCA), favoring the test group. Conclusions Compared to donepezil alone, the combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and donepezil has a significantly greater effect on enhancing cognitive function among individuals experiencing mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment resulting from SVCVD.
Severe COVID-19 post pregnancy complicated by acute thromboemboli resulting in ST-elevation myocardial infarction – A case report
Authors: Fu Danni , Park Byung Joon , Rao Gaurav , Makaryus John 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: It has been shown that pregnancy can cause alterations in the severity of COVID-19 infection. We demonstrate an immediate post-partum patient diagnosed with severe COVID-19 and subsequently developed acute thrombosis of coronary artery. Case Summary: 35-year-old female unvaccinated for COVID-19 presented in labor and delivered on the same day. Several hours later, she was found to be in respiratory distress and tested positive for COVID-19. On day 7, computerized tomography (CT) of chest revealed bilateral pneumonia and pneumomediastinum. On day 8, she developed chest pain with electrocardiogram (EKG) showing inferior STelevations with troponin I of 0.6 ng/mL. She was intubated for airway protection and emergent diagnostic angiogram revealed thrombus occlusion of the third right posterolateral segment that resulted in thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 0 flow without evidence of underlying atherosclerotic disease in the remaining vessels. Intracoronary IIb/IIIa inhibitor was administered. Arterial blood gas in the lab revealed profound hypoxia despite being on 100% inspired oxygen. Multidisciplinary decision was made to cannulate patient for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to treat severe COVID-19 pneumonia. She was finally decannulated from ECMO on day 65. After prolonged hospital stay, she eventually recovered and was discharged to rehabilitation. Conclusions: The center for disease control (CDC) surveillance has reported that pregnant patients with COVID-19 are more likely to require invasive ventilation and ECMO, and die given the immunological changes during pregnancy. Hypercoagulable state caused by combination of pregnancy and COVID-19 resulting in coronary thrombosis is rarely described in literature, our case demonstrated the paucity of this phenomenon.
A scoping review of the use of creative activities in stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Liu Shuang , Huang XianYi , Liu Yan , Yue Jie , Li Yu , Chen Li 
Published: January 2024

Objective Clarifying the distinctions between art-based creative activities in the domains of occupational therapy and art therapy in the context of stroke rehabilitation, while also describing the effects of art-based creative activities on stroke rehabilitation. Design Scoping review. Data source A systematic search was performed in nine databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and four Chinese database) from their inception to December 2023. Review methods The study included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials involving art-based creative activities, as well as qualitative research providing detailed intervention measures. The study focused on stroke patients, with primary outcomes related to patients’ physiological recovery, psychological well-being, ADL, etc. Data extraction included information on intervention strategies and study results. Results Seventeen studies were included, extracting six similarities and differences in creative activity between two domains. Creative activities were observed to have positive impacts on daily living activities, limb motor function, fine motor ability, and emotional well-being in stroke patients. Conclusion Creative activities, whether in occupational therapy or art therapy, involve providing participants with tangible crafting materials for the creation of artistic works. Future stroke rehabilitation practices should tailor activities and intervention focus based on patients’ rehabilitation needs, preferences, and cultural background. The current comprehensive analysis provides initial support for the potential positive role of creative activities in stroke rehabilitation, but further in-depth research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.