bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of ventilatory pattern variability and Cardioventilatory Coupling during systemic inflammation in rats
Authors: Campanaro Cara K. , Nethery David E. , Guo Fei , Kaffashi Farhad , Loparo Kenneth A. , Jacono Frank J. , Dick Thomas E. , Hsieh Yee-Hsee 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Biometrics of common physiologic signals can reflect health status. We have developed analytics to measure the predictability of ventilatory pattern variability (VPV, Nonlinear Complexity Index (NLCI) that quantifies the predictability of a continuous waveform associated with inhalation and exhalation) and the cardioventilatory coupling (CVC, the tendency of the last heartbeat in expiration to occur at preferred latency before the next inspiration). We hypothesized that measures of VPV and CVC are sensitive to the development of endotoxemia, which evoke neuroinflammation.Methods: We implanted Sprague Dawley male rats with BP transducers to monitor arterial blood pressure (BP) and recorded ventilatory waveforms and BP simultaneously using whole-body plethysmography in conjunction with BP transducer receivers. After baseline (BSLN) recordings, we injected lipopolysaccharide (LPS, n = 8) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS, n =3) intraperitoneally on 3 consecutive days. We recorded for 4–6 h after the injection, chose 3 epochs from each hour and analyzed VPV and CVC as well as heart rate variability (HRV).Results: First, the responses to sepsis varied across rats, but within rats the repeated measures of NLCI, CVC, as well as respiratory frequency (fR), HR, BP and HRV had a low coefficient of variation, (&lt;0.2) at each time point. Second, HR, fR, and NLCI increased from BSLN on Days 1–3; whereas CVC decreased on Days 2 and 3. In contrast, changes in BP and the relative low-(LF) and high-frequency (HF) of HRV were not significant. The coefficient of variation decreased from BSLN to Day 3, except for CVC. Interestingly, NLCI increased before fR in LPS-treated rats. Finally, we histologically confirmed lung injury, systemic inflammation via ELISA and the presence of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, with immunohistochemistry in the ponto-medullary respiratory nuclei.Discussion: Our findings support that NLCI reflects changes in the rat’s health induced by systemic injection of LPS and reflected in increases in HR and fR. CVC decreased over the course to the experiment. We conclude that NLCI reflected the increase in predictability of the ventilatory waveform and (together with our previous work) may reflect action of inflammatory cytokines on the network generating respiration.
Single opsin driven white noise ERGs in mice
Authors: Stallwitz Nina , Joachimsthaler Anneka , Kremers Jan 
Published: July 2023

PurposeElectroretinograms elicited by photopigment isolating white noise stimuli (wnERGs) in mice were measured. The dependency of rod- and cone-opsin-driven wnERGs on mean luminance was studied.MethodsTemporal white noise stimuli (containing all frequencies up to 20 Hz, equal amplitudes, random phases) that modulated either rhodopsin, S-opsin or L*-opsin, using the double silent substitution technique, were used to record wnERGs in mice expressing a human L*-opsin instead of the native murine M-opsin. Responses were recorded at 4 mean luminances (MLs).Impulse response functions (IRFs) were obtained by cross-correlating the wnERG recordings with the corresponding modulation of the photopigment excitation elicited by the stimulus. So-called modulation transfer functions (MTFs) were obtained by performing a Fourier transform on the IRFs.Potentials of two repeated wnERG recordings at corresponding time points were plotted against each other. The correlation coefficient (r2repr) of the linear regression through these data was used to quantify reproducibility. Another correlation coefficient (r2ML) was used to quantify the correlations of the wnERGs obtained at different MLs with those at the highest (for cone isolating stimuli) or lowest (for rod isolating stimuli) ML.ResultsIRFs showed an initial negative (a-wave like) trough N1 and a subsequent positive (b-wave like) peak P1. No oscillatory potential-like components were observed. At 0.4 and 1.0 log cd/m2 ML robust L*- and S-opsin-driven IRFs were obtained that displayed similar latencies and dependencies on ML. L*-opsin-driven IRFs were 2.5–3 times larger than S-opsin-driven IRFs. Rhodopsin-driven IRFs were observed at −0.8 and − 0.2 log cd/m2 and decreased in amplitude with increasing ML. They displayed an additional pronounced late negativity (N2), which may be a correlate of retinal ganglion cell activity.R2repr and r2ML values increased for cones with increasing ML whereas they decreased for rods. For rhodopsin-driven MTFs at low MLs and L*-opsin-driven MTFs at high MLs amplitudes decreased with increasing frequency, with much faster decreasing amplitudes for rhodopsin. A delay was calculated from MTF phases showing larger delays for rhodopsin- vs. low delays for L*-opsin-driven responses.ConclusionOpsin-isolating wnERGs in mice show characteristics of different retinal cell types and their connected pathways.
Implementing recommended breastfeeding practices in healthcare facilities in India during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review of health system bottlenecks and potential solutions
Authors: Dudeja Nonita , Sharma Divita , Maria Arti , Pawar Priyanka , Mukherjee Ritika , Nargotra Shikha , Mohapatra Archisman 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundBreastfeeding practices in institutional settings got disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. We reviewed the challenges faced and the “work-around” solutions identified for implementing recommended breastfeeding practices in institutionalized mother-newborn dyads in resource constrained settings during the pandemic with the aim to identify learnings that could be potentially adapted to the Indian and relatable contexts, for building resilient health systems.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review of literature using the PRISMA ScR Extension guidelines. We searched the Medline via PubMed and Web of Science databases for literature published between 1st December 2019 and 15th April 2022. We included original research, reviews, and policy recommendations published in English language and on India while others were excluded. Further, we searched for relevant gray literature on Google (free word search), websites of government and major professional bodies in India. Three reviewers independently conducted screening and data extraction and the results were displayed in tabular form. Challenges and potential solutions for breastfeeding were identified and were categorized under one or more suitable headings based on the WHO building blocks for health systems.ResultsWe extracted data from 28 papers that were deemed eligible. Challenges were identified across all the six building blocks. Lack of standard guidelines for crisis management, separation of the newborn from the mother immediately after birth, inadequate logistics and resources for infection prevention and control, limited health workforce, extensive use of formula and alternative foods, inconsistent quality of care and breastfeeding support, poor awareness among beneficiaries about breastfeeding practices (and especially, about its safety during the pandemic) were some of the challenges identified. The solutions primarily focused on the development of standard guidelines and operating procedures, restricted use of formula, use of telemedicine services for counseling and awareness and improving resource availability for risk mitigation through strategic mobilization.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has provided rich learning opportunities for health system strengthening in India. Countries must strengthen learning mechanisms to identify and adapt best practices from within their health systems and from other relatable settings.
Case report: Unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis and Kommerell's diverticulum in 1-year old girl
Authors: Miseviciene Valdone , Liakaite Gintare , Zaveckiene Jurgita , Snipaitiene Ausra 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundUnilateral pulmonary artery agenesis (UPAA) and Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) are two rare embryologically unrelated congenital vascular malformations rarely diagnosed in children. This is the first report of our knowledge of the unique combination for a child as patients are at a high risk of pulmonary hypertension and rupture of the diverticulum. Our aim is to present the case of a pediatric patient with UPAA and KD with the short literature review and to highlight the importance of early diagnostics of rare congenital vascular malformations.Case reportA 1-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with prolonged cough and variable wheezing. A hypoplastic left lung was suspected in the radiographic image of the chest. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed absence of the left pulmonary artery and right arch of aorta and anomaly of subclavian arteries was suspected. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography scans of the chest that demonstrated elongation of the aorta and an aberrant right subclavian artery with KD, as well as absence of the left pulmonary artery. The patient is being followed up for the development of pulmonary hypertension and compression of vascular structures to the airways as well as any indications for surgical intervention because of the KD.ConclusionsUPAA and KD are two very rare congenital vascular anomalies usually diagnosed in adults. A high risk of pulmonary hypertension and rupture of diverticulum is noted for adult patients. This case provides us with an exclusive possibility to follow up a patient with an extremely rare combination of the two vascular anomalies with insufficiently known future complications and outcomes.
Calebin A targets the HIF-1α/NF-κB pathway to suppress colorectal cancer cell migration
Authors: Brockmueller Aranka , Girisa Sosmitha , Motallebi Mahzad , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B. , Shakibaei Mehdi 
Published: July 2023

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is one of the major tumor-associated transcription factors modulating numerous tumor properties such as tumor cell metabolism, survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Calebin A (CA), a compound derived from turmeric, is known for its anti-cancer activity through modulation of the NF-κB pathway. However, its impact on HIF-1α in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell migration is unknown.Methods: Human CRC cells (HCT-116) in 3D alginate and monolayer multicellular TME (fibroblasts/T lymphocytes) were subjected to CA or the HIF-1α inhibitor to explore the efficacy of CA on TME-induced inflammation, migration, and tumor malignancy.Results: CA significantly inhibited TME-promoted proliferation and migration of HCT-116 cells, similar to the HIF-1α inhibitor. Colony formation, toluidine blue staining, and immunolabeling showed that CA inhibited the migration of HCT-116 cells partly by inhibiting HIF-1α, which is critical for CRC cell viability, and these observations were confirmed by electron microscopy. In addition, Western blot analysis confirmed that CA inhibited TME-initiated expression of HIF-1α and biomarkers of metastatic factors (such as NF-κB, β1-integrin, and VEGF), and promoted apoptosis (caspase-3), in a manner comparable to the HIF-1α inhibitor. Finally, TME induced a purposeful pairing between HIF-1α and NF-κB, suggesting that the synergistic interplay between the two tumor-associated transcription factors is essential for CRC cell malignancy and migration and that CA silences these factors in tandem.Conclusion: These results shed light on a novel regulatory modulation of CA signaling in CRC cell migration, partially via HIF-1α/NF-κB with potentially relevant implications for cancer therapy.
Physical activity maintenance and increase in Chinese children and adolescents: the role of intrinsic motivation and parental support
Authors: Liu Yujie , Ge Xin , Li Huilun , Zhang Erliang , Hu Fan , Cai Yong , Xiang Mi 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveThis longitudinal study aimed to examine the association of intrinsic motivation, parental physical activity, and parental support with physical activity maintenance and increase among children and adolescents.MethodsA sample of 2,424 children and adolescents in Shanghai, China participated in the two-wave survey before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire measured children and adolescents’ physical activity and intrinsic motivation, as well as their parental physical activity and support (concern for their child and co-activity with their child). Multivariable logistic regressions were performed by groups to examine the associations between these factors and physical activity change.ResultsMost children and adolescents exhibited a decline in physical activity participation during the pandemic, as indicated by a mere 15.0 and 8.0% of individuals maintaining and increasing their pre-pandemic levels, respectively. Among the initially active participants, perceived self-choice [OR = 1.341 (95%CI: 1.173–1.533)] and parental concern [OR = 1.922 (95%CI: 1.204–3.068)] predicted maintained physical activity. Increased physical activity was predicted by perceived enjoyment [OR = 1.193 (95%CI: 1.046–1.362)] and parental co-activity (OR = 1.995 [95%CI: 1.095–3.633]).ConclusionThis study provides longitudinal evidence that intrinsic motivation and parental support can have a positive impact when physical activity levels change significantly. Effective interventions targeting multilevel factors are needed to maintain or increase children and adolescents’ physical activity.
Discrimination and intimate partner violence among a sample of bisexual and gay men in the United States: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rustagi Khyati , JadKarim Luzan , Birk Nick , Tran Alvin 
Published: July 2023

PurposeIntimate partner violence (IPV) is becoming more recognized as a public health concern among sexual minority men, including bisexual and gay men. Guided by the Minority Stress Model, we assessed the relationship between perceived discrimination and three forms of IPV among a sample of bisexual and gay men living in the United States.MethodsWe analyzed data as part of the Men’s Body Project, a cross-sectional study launched in 2020 to assess health behaviors of bisexual and gay men.ResultsA total of 549 individuals participated in the survey, of which 52% were gay and 48% were bisexual men. Perceived discrimination was significantly associated with elevated odds ratios ranging from 1.15 to 1.18 across three forms of IPV, with Physical IPV odds ratio being highest.ConclusionGiven the significant association between perceived discrimination and IPV, interventions aimed at addressing IPV experiences among sexual minority men must consider the role of minority stress.
Diaphragm pacing and independent breathing in individuals with severe Pompe disease
Authors: Liberati Cristina , Byrne Barry J. , Fuller David D. , Croft Chasen , Pitts Teresa , Ehrbar Jessica , Leon-Astudillo Carmen , Smith Barbara K. 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionPompe disease is an inherited disease characterized by a deficit in acid-α-glucosidase (GAA), an enzyme which degrades lysosomal glycogen. The phrenic-diaphragm motor system is affected preferentially, and respiratory failure often occurs despite GAA enzyme replacement therapy. We hypothesized that the continued use of diaphragm pacing (DP) might improve ventilator-dependent subjects' respiratory outcomes and increase ventilator-free time tolerance.MethodsSix patients (3 pediatric) underwent clinical DP implantation and started diaphragm conditioning, which involved progressively longer periods of daily, low intensity stimulation. Longitudinal respiratory breathing pattern, diaphragm electromyography, and pulmonary function tests were completed when possible, to assess feasibility of use, as well as diaphragm and ventilatory responses to conditioning.ResultsAll subjects were eventually able to undergo full-time conditioning via DP and increase their maximal tolerated time off-ventilator, when compared to pre-implant function. Over time, 3 of 6 subjects also demonstrated increased or stable minute ventilation throughout the day, without positive-pressure ventilation assistance.DiscussionRespiratory insufficiency is one of the main causes of death in patients with Pompe disease. Our results indicate that DP in Pompe disease was feasible, led to few adverse events and stabilized breathing for up to 7 years.
Ribavirin inhibits the replication of infectious bursal disease virus predominantly through depletion of cellular guanosine pool
Authors: Akram Towseef , Gul Irfan , Parveez Zia Mahrukh , Hassan Amreena , Khatun Amina , Shah Riaz Ahmad , Ahmad Syed Mudasir , Ganai Nazir Ahmad , Chikan Naveed Anjum , Kim Won-Il , Shabir Nadeem 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe antiviral activity of different mutagens against single-stranded RNA viruses is well documented; however, their activity on the replication of double-stranded RNA viruses remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the effect of different antivirals on the replication of a chicken embryo fibroblast-adapted Infectious Bursal Disease virus, FVSKG2. This study further explores the antiviral mechanism utilized by the most effective anti-IBDV agent.MethodsThe cytotoxicity and anti-FVSKG2 activity of different antiviral agents (ribavirin, 5-fluorouracil, 5-azacytidine, and amiloride) were evaluated. The virus was serially passaged in chicken embryo fibroblasts 11 times at sub-cytotoxic concentrations of ribavirin, 5-fluorouracil or amiloride. Further, the possible mutagenic and non-mutagenic mechanisms utilized by the most effective anti-FVSKG2 agent were explored.Results and DiscussionRibavirin was the least cytotoxic on chicken embryo fibroblasts, followed by 5-fluorouracil, amiloride and 5-azacytidine. Ribavirin inhibited the replication of FVSKG2 in chicken embryo fibroblasts significantly at concentrations as low as 0.05 mM. The extinction of FVSKG2 was achieved during serial passage of the virus in chicken embryo fibroblasts at ≥0.05 mM ribavirin; however, the emergence of a mutagen-resistant virus was not observed until the eleventh passage. Further, no mutation was observed in 1,898 nucleotides of the FVSKG2 following its five passages in chicken embryo fibroblasts in the presence of 0.025 mM ribavirin. Ribavarin inhibited the FVSKG2 replication in chicken embryo fibroblasts primarily through IMPDH-mediated depletion of the Guanosine Triphosphate pool of cells. However, other mechanisms like ribavirin-mediated cytokine induction or possible inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase through its interaction with the enzyme’s active sites enhance the anti-IBDV effect. Ribavirin inhibits ds- RNA viruses, likely through IMPDH inhibition and not mutagenesis. The inhibitory effect may, however, be augmented by other non-mutagenic mechanisms, like induction of antiviral cytokines in chicken embryo fibroblasts or interaction of ribavirin with the active sites of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of the virus.
The live pig supply chain as reported by farmers in selected districts affected by African swine fever in Uganda, June and July 2022
Authors: Nawatti Margaret , Ekakoro John E. , Singler David , Ochoa Krista , Kizza Robinah , Ndoboli Dickson , Ndumu Deo B. , Wampande Eddie M. , Havas Karyn A. 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionUganda is a pork-producing country in East Africa. The African swine fever virus (ASFV) has had a devastating impact on the country’s pig industry. The movements of pigs and pork are a major pathway of spreading ASFV. This study was done to describe the live pig supply chain within and through districts that are impacted by African swine fever (ASF) in Uganda.MethodsA pig farmer survey in districts known to have ASFV was done using a semi-structured questionnaire available in English and two local languages. In total, 99 farmers were interviewed across five districts. Farmers were conveniently and purposively selected by local government veterinary officials. An online key informant survey was also used to validate farmer responses.ResultsMost farmers interviewed in all districts reported to source and sell most of their pigs from within their district the farm was in, although there was variation by district and pig type. In relation to pig type, 89.7% of farmers sourced sows, 80.0% sourced boars, and 96.4% sourced weaned pigs from the district where the farm was located. As for sales, 91.3% of farmers sold sows, 92.7% sold boars, 91.9% sold weaned pigs, and 92.2% sold market pigs in the district where the farm was located. There was also variation to whom pigs were sold and sourced by pig type.ConclusionThis information is useful when planning the scale and focus of disease control programs based on animal movement. This study revealed that pig disease control programs can be targeted to smaller regions. Furthermore, there is a need for farmers and pig traders to be educated on and adhere to veterinary regulations of animal movement and good biosecurity practices to reduce disease spread when purchasing and selling pigs from known ASFV infected areas.
Parasite Diversity in a Freshwater Ecosystem
Authors: Shafiq Amana , Abbas Farzana , Hafeez-ur-Rehman Muhammad , Khan Bushra Nisar , Aihetasham Ayesha , Amin Iffat , Hmidullah  , Mothana Ramzi A. , Alharbi Mohammed S. , Khan Imran , Khalil Atif Ali Khan , Ahmad Bashir , Mubeen Nimra , Akram Muneeba 
Published: July 2023

Parasites are a significant component of biodiversity. They negatively affect fish appearance, growth, and reproduction. In this study, the prevalence of infection, diversity, and mean intensity of parasites were examined in 9 freshwater fish species (45 samples per fish species). Ecto-parasites were examined on the skin, gills, and fins with a hand lens. Wet mounts were prepared using mucosal scrapings from all the external and internal organs of the sampled fish. Microscopy, muscle compression, and the pepsin-HCL artificial digestion technique were also performed. In this study, 26 species of parasites were identified including three taxa belonging to 9 species of protozoan parasites, 11 treamtodes, and 6 monogenean parasites. The identified protozoan parasites were Entamoeba histolitica, Chilodonella sp., Coccidia sp., Costia sp., Cryptobia sp., Ichthyopthiris-multifilis, Microsporidia, Piscinoodinium sp., and Ichthyobodo necator. The identified trematode parasites were Fasciola gigantica, Echinostoma revolutum, Fasciola hepatica, Haplorchis pumilio, Brachylaima cribbi, Echinostoma cinetorchis, Neascus sp., Deropegus sp., Trematode Soldier, Centrocestus formosanus, and Clinostomum marginatum. The identified monogenean parasites were Dactylogyrus limipopoensis, Dactylogyrus anchoratus, Dactylogyrus myersi, Dactylogyrus vastator, Gyrodactylus salaris, and Ancyrocephalus. The diversity of parasites was maximum at the Okara site. The host’s organs that were targeted for parasitic infection included the intestine, liver, gills, fins, skin, and kidneys. The majority of the parasites were identified in Labeo rohita followed by Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Oreochromis niloticus, Cyprinus carpio, and Wallagu attu. Two species appeared to be resistant species because none of the parasites were observed in Notopterus notopterus or Sperata seenghala. This study also concluded that the prevalence of parasites increased with increasing length, size, and age of fish.