bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Realization of Bullard’s disc dynamo
Authors: Alejandro Avalos-Zúñiga Raúl , Priede Jānis 
Published: March 2023

We report experimental results from three successful runs of a Bullard-type homopolar disc dynamo. The set-up consisted of a copper disc with a radius of 30 cm and thickness of 3 cm which was placed co-axially beneath a flat, multi-arm spiral coil of the same size and connected to it electrically at the centre and along the circumference by sliding liquid-metal contacts. The magnetic field was measured using Hall probes which were fixed on the top face of the coil. We measured also the radial voltage drop across the coil. When the disc rotation rate reached

Ω
≈
7

Hz

, the magnetic field increased steeply approaching

B

0

≈
40

mT

in the central part of the coil. This field was more than two orders of magnitude stronger than the background magnetic field. In the first two runs, the electromagnetic torque braking the disc in the dynamo regime exceeded the breakdown torque of the electric motor driving the disc. As a result, the motor stalled and the dynamo was interrupted. Stalling did not occur in the third run when the driving frequency was set higher and increased faster. We also propose an extended disc dynamo model which qualitatively reproduces the experimental results.
Styxl2 regulatesde novosarcomere assembly by binding to non-muscle myosin IIs and promoting their degradation
Authors: Chen Xianwei , Li Yanfeng , Xu Jin , Cui Yong , Wu Qian , Yin Haidi , Li Yuying , Gao Chuan , Jiang Liwen , Wang Huating , Wen Zilong , Yao Zhongping , Wu Zhenguo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractStyxl2, a poorly characterized pseudophosphatase, was identified as a transcriptional target of the Jak1-Stat1 pathway during myoblast differentiation in culture. Styxl2 is specifically expressed in vertebrate striated muscles. By gene knockdown or genetic knockout, we found that Styxl2 plays an essential role in maintaining sarcomere integrity in developing muscles of both zebrafish and mice. To further reveal the functions of Styxl2 in adult muscles, we generated two inducible knockout mouse models: one withStyxl2being deleted in mature myofibers to assess its role in sarcomere maintenance, and the other in adult muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) to assess its role inde novosarcomere assembly. We find that Styxl2 is not required for sarcomere maintenance but functions inde novosarcomere assembly during injury-induced muscle regeneration. Mechanistically, Styxl2 interacts with non-muscle myosin IIs, enhances their ubiquitination, and targets them for autophagy-dependent degradation. Without Styxl2, the degradation of non-muscle myosin IIs is delayed, which leads to defective sarcomere assembly and force generation. Thus, Styxl2 promotesde novosarcomere assembly by interacting with non-muscle myosin IIs and facilitating their autophagic degradation.
Association of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein Mutations with Patient Demographic and Clinical Characteristics during the Delta and Omicron Waves
Authors: Alsuwairi Feda A. , Alsaleh Asma , Alsanea Madain S. , Al-Qahtani Ahmed A. , Obeid Dalia , Almaghrabi Reem S. , Alahideb Basma M. , AlAbdulkareem Maha A. , Mutabagani Maysoon S. , Althawadi Sahar I. , Altamimi Sara A. , Alshukairi Abeer N. , Alhamlan Fatimah S. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 genomic mutations outside the spike protein that may increase transmissibility and disease severity have not been well characterized. This study identified mutations in the nucleocapsid protein and their possible association with patient characteristics. We analyzed 695 samples from patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia between April 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. Nucleocapsid protein mutations were identified through whole genome sequencing.Χ2 tests and T tests assessed associations between mutations and patient characteristics. Logistic regression estimated risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death. Of 60 mutations identified, R203K was most common followed by G204R, P13L, and E31del, R32del, and S33del. These mutations were associated with reduced risk of ICU admission. P13L, E31del, R32del, and S33del were also associated with reduced risk of death. By contrast, D63G, R203M, and D377Y were associated with increased risk of ICU admission. Most mutations were detected in the SR-rich region, which was associated with low risk of death. C-tail and central linker regions were associated with increased risk of ICU admission, whereas the N-arm region was associated with reduced ICU admission risk. Some SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid amino acid mutations may enhance viral infection and COVID-19 disease severity.
Group A streptococcal meningitis with the M1UKvariant in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Putten Boas C.L. , Vlaminckx Bart J.M. , de Gier Brechje , Freudenburg-de Graaf Wieke , van Sorge Nina M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe analyzed over 40 years of bacteriological surveillance data to reveal a 4-fold increase in Group A streptococcal (GAS) meningitis in 2022 compared to the annual average of 1982-2021 (n=5/year). Already 10 GAS meningitis cases occurred in 2023 (until March 13th). Molecular typing revealed that 25 out-of-29 (86%) isolates received in 2022 and 2023 wereemm1.0 (Figure 1). WGS analysis of 19emm1.0 isolates (2019 until 20thDecember 2022) demonstrated that 15 out-of-19 (79%) isolates belonged to the toxicogenic M1UKlineage. Based on these observations, we urge clinicians to be vigilant regarding clinical sign of meningitis with invasive GAS infections, since this disease manifestation appears to have a higher than expected occurrence due to clonal replacement by the recently-emerged M1UKvariant.
Mixed methods approach to examining the implementation experience of a phone-based health research survey investigating risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in California
Authors: Fukui Nozomi , Li Sophia S. , DeGuzman Jennifer , Myers Jennifer F. , Openshaw John , Sharma Anjali , Watt James , Lewnard Joseph A. , Jain Seema , Andrejko Kristin L. , Pry Jake M. ,   the California COVID-19 Case-Control Study Team
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the implementation of a test-negative design case-control study in California during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsBetween February 24, 2021 - February 24, 2022, 34 interviewers called 38,470 SARS-CoV-2-tested Californians to enroll 1,885 cases and 1,871 controls in a 20-minute telephone survey. We estimated adjusted odds ratios for answering the phone and consenting to participate using mixed effects logistic regression. We used a web-based anonymous survey to compile interviewer experiences.ResultsCases had 1.29-fold (95% CI: 1.24–1.35) higher adjusted odds of answering the phone and 1.69-fold (1.56–1.83) higher adjusted odds of consenting to participate compared to controls. Calls placed from 4pm to 6pm had the highest adjusted odds of being answered. Interviewers who faced participants with dire need for social services or harassment experienced poor mental health.ConclusionsWe suggest calling during afternoons and allocating more effort towards enrolling controls when designing a case-control study. Remaining adaptive to the dynamic needs of the team is critical to a successful study, especially in a pandemic setting.
An explainable AI approach for discovering social determinants of health and risk interactions for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zimmerman Raquel M. , Hernandez Edgar J. , Watkins W. Scott , Blue Nathan , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , Yandell Mark , Steinberg Benjamin A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) leads to significant morbidity and mortality, which is primarily related to stroke despite effective stroke prevention therapies. There remains a critical need for personalized, socially aware, equitable stroke risk prediction among patients with AF to enable optimal implementation of contemporary stroke-prevention therapies. In this brief report, we leverage innovative computational tools and high-quality, extensive data (1.8 m patients, augmented with social determinants of health information) to demonstrate the ability of a unique, explainable AI approach to improve the accuracy and equity of stroke risk prediction. Current risk stratification approaches are blind to social determinants of health and fail to adjust for unique contributions and interactions of variables upon stroke risk. In contrast, our results indicate that social determinants of health can be important modifiers of clinical variables and ultimately stroke risk. We hope that this analysis can provide evidence to drive better, more personalized, and equitable stroke risk stratification and prevention for patients with AF in the future.
The Silver Trauma Review Clinic: A novel model of care to manage non-operative injuries in older patients
Authors: Smyth H , Breslin D , Mullany L , Ramiah V , Riches R , Laguna R , Morgan P , Byrne C 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing numbers of older patients are presenting to emergency departments(ED) following trauma. These patients require multidisciplinary care that the traditional trauma model fails to provide. A Silver Trauma Review Clinic(STRC) was developed in conjunction with the geriatric, ED and multidisciplinary services to improve the post-discharge care of patients with non-operative traumatic injuries.We aimed to assess the STRC by reviewing the journey and outcomes of patients who attended the clinic and examining new diagnoses and interventions.MethodsA retrospective review of electronic chart data was performed on all patients who attended the clinic over the initial 1 year period.Results137 patient were reviewed with a median age of 80(IQR 12.5), 69% female. The median clinical frailty scale was 3 with a median time from the patient’s initial ED presentation to clinic of 15 days(IQR 11.25) and median time from initial review to discharge 20 days(IQR 34). 71% of presentations were as a result of falls under 2 metres. Primary injuries were 34% vertebral fractures, 45% limb fracture, 18% thoracic trauma, 11% pelvic trauma with 15% of patients suffering from multiple injuries. Patients attending the STRC had a comprehensive geriatric assessment with abnormal Mini-Cog assessments found in 29%, a new diagnosis of osteoporosis in 43% and orthostatic hypotension diagnosed in 13% of patients. 61% were discharged to primary care, 19% linked into a specialist geriatric clinic.ConclusionThe STRC is a novel approach allowing timely, patient focused, comprehensive and collaborative trauma care of older patients following non-operative injuries.
Clinical Validity of IntelliSpace Cognition Digital Assessment Platform in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Huijbers Willem , van Elswijk Gijs , Spaltman Mandy , Cornelis Mike , Schmand Ben , Alnaji Baraa , Yargeau Maxwell , Harlock Sarah , Dorn Ryu P. , Ajtai Bela , Westphal Erica S. , Pinter Nandor 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe evaluated a digital cognitive assessment platform, Philips IntelliSpace Cognition, in a cross-sectional cohort of patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Performance on individual neuropsychological tests, cognitive domain scores, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) specific composite scores in MCI were compared with a cohort of cognitively normal adults (CN). The cohorts were matched for age, sex, and education. The performance on all but two neuropsychological tests was worse in the MCI group. After ranking the cognitive domains by effect size, we found that the memory domain was most impaired, followed by executive functioning. The Early AD/MCI Alzheimer’s Cognitive Composite (EMACC) and Preclinical Alzheimer’s Cognitive Composite (PACC) scores were constructed from the digital tests on Philips IntelliSpace Cognition. Both AD-specific composite scores showed greater sensitivity and specificity than the Mini-Mental State Examination, as well as individual neuropsychological tests and individual cognitive domain scores. Together, these results demonstrate the diagnostic value of Philips IntelliSpace Cognition in patients with MCI.
Spontaneous allelic variant inUsh1gresulting in an expanded phenotype
Authors: Vartanian Vladimir , Krey Jocelyn F. , Chatterjee Paroma , Jones Sherri M. , Curtis Allison , Ryals Renee , Lloyd R. Stephen , Barr-Gillespie Peter G. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractStrategies to reveal the discovery of the relationships between novel phenotypic behaviors and specific genetic alterations can be achieved via either target-specific, directed mutagenesis or phenotypic selection following random chemical mutagenesis. As an alternative approach, one can exploit deficiencies in DNA repair pathways that are responsible for the maintenance of genetic integrity in response to spontaneously-induced damage. In the genetic background of mice deficient in the DNA glycosylase NEIL1, elevated numbers of spontaneous mutations arise from translesion DNA synthesis past unrepaired, oxidatively-induced base damage. Several litters ofNeil1knockout mice included animals that were distinguished by their backwards-walking behavior in open-field environments, while maintaining frantic forward movements in their home cage environment. Other phenotypic manifestations included swim test failures, head tilting, and circling. Mapping of the mutation that conferred these behaviors revealed the introduction of a stop codon at amino acid 4 of theUsh1ggene; the allele wasUsh1gbw, reflecting the backwards-walking phenotype.Ush1gbw/bwnull mice displayed auditory and vestibular defects that are commonly seen with mutations affecting inner-ear hair-cell function, including a complete lack of auditory brainstem responses and vestibular-evoked potentials. As in other Usher syndrome type I mutant mouse lines, hair-cell phenotypes included disorganized and split hair bundles, as well as altered distribution of proteins for stereocilia that localize to the tips of row 1 or row 2. Disruption to the bundle and kinocilium displacement suggested that USH1G is essential for forming the hair cell’s kinocilial links. Due to the vestibular dysfunction, however, visual behavior as measured with optokinetic tracking could not be assessed inUsh1gbw/bwmice. Consistent with other Usher type 1 models, however,Ush1gbw/bwmice had no substantial retinal degeneration compared toUsh1gbw/+controls out to six months. In contrast to previously-describedUsh1galleles, this new allele provides the first knockout model for this gene.
All about urine: Longitudinal examination of urine pH, specific gravity, proteins, culture, and resistance profiles in healthy dogs
Authors: McGlynn Andrew , Mrofchak Ryan , Madan Rushil , Madden Christopher , Jahid Mohammad Jawad , Mollenkopf Dixie , Wittum Thomas , Justice Sheryl S. , Rudinsky Adam , Hokamp Jessica , Hale Vanessa 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundUrine is routinely evaluated in dogs to assess health. Reference ranges for many urine properties are well established, but the scope of variation in these properties over time within heathy dogs is not well characterized.ObjectivesLongitudinally characterize urine properties in healthy dogs over 3 months.AnimalsFourteen healthy client-owned dogs.MethodsDogs were evaluated for health; then, mid-stream free catch urine was collected from each dog at 12 timepoints: Mornings / afternoons of Days 1, 2, 3; end of Weeks 4, 5, 6, 7 and Months 2 and 3. Urine pH, urine specific gravity (USG), protein, cultures, and antimicrobial resistance profiles were evaluated at each timepoint.ResultsUrine pH varied significantly within and between dogs over time (Friedman’s test: withinp= 0.031; betweenp< 0.005). However, USG, protein, and bacterial richness of urine were consistent within dogs over time, and only varied significantly between dogs (Kruskal-Wallis: between allp< 0.005). Antimicrobial resistant isolates were identified in 13 out of 14 dogs with 71% (34 of 48) of the isolates demonstrating resistance to amoxicillin.Conclusions and clinical importance1) Urine pH should be assessed at multiple timepoints via pH meter prior to making clinical decisions. 2) Mid-stream free catch urine from multiple healthy dogs yielded high concentrations of bacteria in culture (>105CFU/mL) and should not be considered the only indicator of urinary tract infection. 3) Bacterial isolates demonstrated widespread resistance to amoxicillin / oxacillin underscoring the need for antimicrobial stewardship.
Development and design of the BELpREG registration system for the collection of real-world data on medication use in pregnancy and mother-infant outcomes
Authors: Sillis Laure , Foulon Veerle , Allegaert Karel , Bogaerts Annick , De Vos Maarten , Hompes Titia , Smits Anne , Van Calsteren Kristel , Verbakel Jan Y , Ceulemans Michael 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAlthough medication use during pregnancy is common, most available products lack sufficient safety information. As prospective data collection and perinatal pharmacoepidemiologic research on medication safety in pregnancy did not exist in Belgium yet, the BELpREG data registration system was developed. BELpREG enables comprehensive ‘real-world’ data collection on perinatal medication use and mother-infant outcomes via online questionnaires that are completed by pregnant women every four weeks during pregnancy and in the first eight weeks after childbirth. This paper describes the development and current design of the BELpREG system, including the list of BELpREG variables. To compile this list of variables, relevant documents were explored, followed by consultation of an interdisciplinary expert panel. The included variables were structured in seven categories: 1) Sociodemographic characteristics; 2) Information on the current pregnancy and health status; 3) Maternal-obstetric history; 4) Use of medicines, folic acid / pregnancy vitamins and other health products; 5) Substance use; 6) Pregnancy outcomes; and 7) Neonatal outcomes. An electronic informed consent and linkage to medication databases, with images of drug packages and underlying structured data fields, are built into the system. Data collection has officially started in November 2022. Based on its rigorous design, BELpREG holds the potential to be a successful and sustainable research tool, enabling perinatal pharmacoepidemiologic research in Belgium and beyond.
A MAP kinase cascade broadly regulates development and virulence ofSclerotinia sclerotiorumand can be targeted by HIGS for disease control
Authors: Tian Lei , Li Josh , Xu Yan , Qiu Yilan , Li Xin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSclerotinia sclerotiorumcauses white mold or stem rot in a broad range of economically important plants, bringing significant yield losses worldwide. Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) has been showing promising effects in controlling many fungal pathogens, includingS. sclerotiorum. However, molecular genetic understanding of signaling pathways involved in its development and pathogenicity is needed to provide effective host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) targets for disease control. Here, by employing a forward genetic screen, we characterized an evolutionarily conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade inS. sclerotiorum, consisting of SsSte50-SsSte11-SsSte7-Smk1, controlling mycelial growth, sclerotia development, compound appressoria formation, virulence, and hyphal fusion. Moreover, disruption of the putative downstream transcription factor SsSte12 led to normal sclerotia but aberrant appressoria formation and host penetration defects, suggestive of diverged regulation downstream of the MAPK cascade. Most importantly, targeting ofSsSte50using host-expressed HIGS double stranded RNA resulted in largely reduced virulence ofS. sclerotiorumonNicotiana benthamianaleaves. Therefore, this MAPK signaling cascade is generally needed for its growth, development, and pathogenesis, and is an ideal HIGS target for mitigating economic damages caused byS. sclerotioruminfection.
Comparison of the stability of Glycoprotein Acetyls and high sensitivity C-reactive protein as markers of chronic inflammation
Authors: Crick Daisy C.P. , Khandaker Golam M , Halligan Sarah L , Burgner David , Mansell Toby , Fraser Abigail 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundIt has been suggested that glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA) better reflects chronic inflammation than high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), but paediatric/life-course data are sparse.MethodUsing data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children and UK Biobank, we compared short-(over weeks) and long-term (over years) correlations of GlycA and hsCRP, cross-sectional correlations between GlycA and hsCRP, and associations of pro-inflammatory risk factors with GlycA and hsCRP across the life-course.ResultsGlycA showed high short-term (weeks) stability at 15y (r=0.75; 95% CI=0.56, 0.94), 18y (r=0.74; 0.64, 0.85), 24y (r=0.74; 0.51, 0.98) and 48y (r=0.82 0.76, 0.86) and this was comparable to the short-term stability of hsCRP at 24y. GlycA stability was moderate over the long-term, for example between 15y and 18y r=0.52; 0.47, 0.56 and between 15y and 24y r=0.37; 0.31, 0.44. These were larger than equivalent correlations of hsCRP. GlycA and concurrently measured hsCRP were moderately correlated at all ages, for example at 15y (r=0.44; 0.40, 0.48) and at 18y (r=0.55; 0.51, 0.59).We found similar associations of known proinflammatory factors and inflammatory diseases with GlycA and hsCRP. For example, BMI was positively associated with GlycA (mean difference in GlycA per standard deviation change in BMI=0.08; 95% CI=0.07, 0.10) and hsCRP (0.10; 0.08, 0.11).ConclusionThis study showed that GlycA has greater long-term stability than hsCRP, however associations of proinflammatory factors with GlycA and hsCRP were broadly similar.Key messages- GlycA is a novel composite biomarker of inflammation which may have greater stability compared to commonly used biomarkers of inflammation such as hsCRP.- GlycA has comparable short-term stability, but greater long-term stability compared to hsCRP.- The associations between proinflammatory factors and CRP and GlycA are similar.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the etiology and characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia among children requiring bronchoalveolar lavage in northern China
Authors: Liu Rui-han , Zhang Yu-yan , Lu Zhou-hua , Shen Chang-qing , Wang Jin , Zhao Qing , Hou Tong-shu , Niu Feng-hai , Kong Qing-xia , Ning Jun , Yang Lei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the etiology and clinical characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among children requiring bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and analyze the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the pathogen spectrum and clinical manifestations.MethodsChildren <14 years old hospitalized with CAP requiring BLA were enrolled between February 2019 to January 2020 and August 2021 to July 2022. Multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (mRT-PCR) was used for pathogen detection. The demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between different pathogen-type infection groups, and before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsPathogen was detected in 91.66% (1363/1487) children.Mycoplasma pneumoniae, adenovirus and human rhinovirus were the most frequently detected pathogens. The frequency of detection of virus infections and co-infections was decreased during the pandemic, but the detection of atypical bacterial infections was increased. The clinical manifestations and the results of CT scans and fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed a significant difference between different types of pathogen infection, and lung inflammation was reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with before the pandemic.ConclusionsM. pneumoniaeinfection might be the greatest pediatric disease burden leading to CAP in northern China. Wearing masks and social distancing in public places during the COVID-19 pandemic effectively reduced the transmission of respiratory viruses, but it did not reduce the infection rate ofM. pneumoniae. In addition, these interventions significantly reduced lung inflammation in children compared with before the pandemic.