bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embedding Universal Language Promotion in Pediatric Primary Care to Optimize Early Child Development and Reduce Long-Term Health Disparities
Authors: Salley Brenda , von Bevern Heather , Grasley-Boy Nicolette , Fleming Kandace , Weltmer Kirsten , Carta Judith 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT:

Objective:
To report on the feasibility and outcomes of universal language promotion intervention (Talk With Me Baby [TWMB]) embedded within routine well-child care for children from birth to 3-years old.

Methods:
Across 2 primary care clinics, 29 health care team members participated in a 12-month trial to deliver TWMB within well-child care visits. Feasibility was based on clinician feedback during the trial, clinician knowledge assessments, and clinic data. Sixty-three parents and their infant/toddlers were enrolled to provide feedback on TWMB and to assess parent language promotion behaviors, specifically, parents' self-reported use of their language-building interactions during daily activities with their child.

Results:
Clinician feedback and clinic data support TWMB as an acceptable and feasible intervention that can be used successfully within standard of care well-child visits by health care teams. Initial outcome data show positive changes for increasing parent-child language promoting interactions during daily activities.

Conclusion:
Results support the promise of leveraging primary care as a low-cost, scalable way to deliver universal language promotion intervention to optimize the developmental potential of all young children.
Recalcitrant Bilateral Volar Hand Burn Contracture in a Toddler Treated With Integra and Staged Full-thickness Skin Graft: A Literature Review
Authors: Yuen James C. , Wallace Jennifer L. , Steelman Susan C. 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Recurrent burn contractures on the volar aspect of the hand present a formidable challenge, especially in the pediatric patient. We used Integra followed by staged full-thickness skin grafting for recurrent bilateral volar hand burn contracture in a toddler. We reviewed the literature to appraise the utility of full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) combined with Integra used for volar hand contractures.

Methods:
A systematic review of the world’s literature was conducted identifying publications on the application of Integra and skin substitutes for palmar hand contractures and wounds, to include burn injuries. We describe a case of a pediatric patient with recurrent bilateral burn flexion contracture of the palm and digits treated with scar excision and application of Integra, followed by staged application of FTSG.

Results:
We identified 92 publications pertaining to volar hand defects or contractures managed with skin grafts, skin substitutes, and/or flaps. Ten articles referred to the use of Integra on volar hand wounds or contractures, and only 2 articles used FTSG instead of split-thickness skin graft in combination with Integra. Our systematic review of volar burn injuries of the hand and fingers demonstrated that the use of Integra combined with FTSG for postburn flexion contracture of the hand has not been previously reported.

Conclusions:
This case report suggests that application of FTSG instead of split-thickness skin graft to vascularized Integra offers protective value against recurrent burn contracture of the palmar hand, but more studies are needed to support our hypothesis.
Streptococcus canis Rapidly Progressive and Fatal Neonatal Sepsis in a Term Infant
Authors: Saleh Ezzeldin , O’Neal Ashley , Torres Eunice , Vargas Laura , Rodriguez Marcela , Chaudhary Subhash 
Published: January 2025

Background:

Streptococcus canis (S. canis), belonging to β-hemolytic group G streptococci, is increasingly reported to cause sepsis and severe infections in adults with comorbidities but is rarely reported in children.

Methods:
We describe a case of S. canis neonatal sepsis in a term infant with a rapidly fatal outcome. We reviewed the literature on neonatal infections due to all group G streptococci including S. canis.

Results:
We identified 10 articles describing 19 cases of neonatal sepsis due to group G streptococcus, of which only 3 cases were identified at the species level. Most patients presented in the first week of life with neonatal sepsis with bacteremia present in 90% of cases. Among the patients, gestational age ranged from 31 to 42 weeks. Prematurity was reported in 35% of the patients. All patients were treated with β-lactams with or without aminoglycosides. Mortality was 26%.

Conclusions:

S. canis infection is rare in the setting of neonatal sepsis; however, it can lead to high morbidity and mortality. It is imperative to promptly administer empiric antibiotics for critically ill neonates until neonatal sepsis is ruled out. β-lactams provide adequate coverage against S. canis. Further epidemiological and clinical studies focusing on S. canis are needed to fully understand the transmission and disease burden of this pathogen in neonates.
Impact of geriatric nutritional risk index on clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients: a comprehensive meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Denghong , Tang Mingyang , Tang Nian , Earnest Benjamin Samraj Prakash , Ali Abdou Ihab Elsayed Mohamed 
Published: January 2025

Background
The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), derived from serum albumin levels and body weight relative to ideal body weight, is a novel tool for assessing nutritional status. This meta-analysis explored the association between GNRI and the clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies evaluating the GNRI in patients with ACS. Inclusion criteria were observational studies reporting all-cause mortality or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) among ACS patients categorized by low versus normal GNRI. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two authors, utilizing a random-effects model to account for potential heterogeneity.

Results
Eleven cohort studies, encompassing 18 616 patients with ACS, were included. A low GNRI was associated with significantly increased risks of all-cause mortality (RR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.63–2.34; P < 0.001; I² = 32%) and MACEs (RR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.62–2.29; P < 0.001; I² = 25%). Subgroup analyses for the all-cause mortality outcome showed consistent findings across varied study designs, patient demographics, and follow-up periods (P for subgroup differences all >0.05). Sensitivity analyses conducted by sequentially excluding individual studies confirmed the stability of these results.

Conclusion
A low GNRI at the time of admission is a significant predictor of increased all-cause mortality and MACEs in patients with ACS.
The cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel gene superfamily of the Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Chen Dongxu , Hawthorne David J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe insect cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel (cysLGIC) superfamily includes nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, glutamate- or histamine-gated chloride channels (GluCls and HisCls), pH-sensitive chloride channels (pHCls) and several other functionally uncharacterized receptors. Several of these receptors are target sites of neonicotinoids and other insecticides. Characterizing sequences of cysLGIC genes can facilitate the study of functional expression of subunits allowing insecticide/receptor interaction research, and can promote molecular resistance monitoring tools development. The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is an agricultural pest that threatens the production of solanaceous crops. Although this insect shows frequent evolution of insecticide resistance, its cysLGIC superfamily is not well characterized.ResultsTwenty-two candidate CPB cysLGIC subunit genes were identified, and the functional regions of their protein sequences were annotated. CPB possesses 22 candidate cysLGIC subunit genes such as nAChR α4, nAChR α6, RDL, and GluCl subunits, with similar sequence, structure, and alternative exon use as that in other insects. RNA A-to-I editing was observed of nAChR α6. Two copies of the pHCl subunit gene were identified, the first duplication of this gene observed in insects.ConclusionThe number of cysLGIC superfamily genes is similar to that of other insect species. Alternative splicing and RNA editing conserved in insect species were also identified in expected subunits, potentially contributing to structural and functional diversity of the receptor. Evidence of naturally truncated nAChR α4 and duplicated pHCl was observed, which invites future validation.
Integrating Hydrogen Exchange with Molecular Dynamics for Improved Ligand Binding Predictions
Authors: Walters Benjamin T. , Patapoff Alexander W. , Kiefer James A. , Wu Ping , Wang Weiru 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWe introduce Hydrogen-Exchange Experimental Structure Prediction (HX-ESP), a method that integrates hydrogen exchange (HX) data with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to accurately predict ligand binding modes, even for targets requiring significant conformational changes. Benchmarking HX-ESP by fitting two ligands to PAK1 and four ligands to MAP4K1 (HPK1), and comparing the results to X-ray crystallography structures, demonstrated that HX-ESP successfully identified binding modes across a range of affinities significantly outperforming flexible docking for ligands necessitating large conformational adjustments. By objectively guiding simulations with experimental HX data, HX-ESP overcomes the long timescales required for binding predictions using traditional MD. This advancement promises to enhance the accuracy of computational modeling in drug discovery, potentially accelerating the development of effective therapeutics.
Defining the Polycystin Pharmacophore Through HTS & Computational Biophysics
Authors: Guadarrama Eduardo , Vanoye Carlos G. , DeCaen Paul G. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposePolycystins (PKD2, PKD2L1) are voltage-gated and Ca2+-modulated members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels. Loss of PKD2L1 expression results in seizure-susceptibility and autism-like features in mice, whereas variants in PKD2 cause autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Despite decades of evidence clearly linking their dysfunction to human disease and demonstrating their physiological importance in the brain and kidneys, the polycystin pharmacophore remains undefined. Contributing to this knowledge gap is their resistance to drug screening campaigns, which are hindered by these channels’ unique subcellular trafficking to organelles such as the primary cilium. PKD2L1 is the only member of the polycystin family to form constitutively active ion channels on the plasma membrane when overexpressed.Experimental ApproachHEK293 cells stably expressing PKD2L1 F514A were pharmacologically screened via high-throughput electrophysiology to identify potent polycystin channel modulators. In-silico docking analysis and mutagenesis were used to define the receptor sites of screen hits. Inhibition by membrane-impermeable QX-314 was used to evaluate PKD2L1’s binding site accessibility.Key ResultsScreen results identify potent PKD2L1 antagonists with divergent chemical core structures and highlight striking similarities between the molecular pharmacology of PKD2L1 and voltage-gated sodium channels. Docking analysis, channel mutagenesis, and physiological recordings identify an open-state accessible lateral fenestration receptor within the pore, and a mechanism of inhibition that stabilizes the PKD2L1 inactivated state.Conclusion and ImplicationOutcomes establish the suitability of our approach to expand our chemical knowledge of polycystins and delineates novel receptor moieties for the development of channel-specific antagonists in TRP channel research.
Multi-center benchmarking of cervical spinal cord RF coils for 7 T MRI: A traveling spines study
Authors: Alonso-Ortiz Eva , Papp Daniel , Barry Robert L , Poëti Kyota , Seifert Alan C , Gilbert Kyle M , Lopez-Rios Nibardo , Paska Jan , Eippert Falk , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Beghini Laura , Graedel Nadine , Trampel Robert , Callaghan Martina F , Aigner Christoph S , Freund Patrick , Seif Maryam , Destruel Aurélien , Callot Virginie , Vannesjo Johanna , Cohen-Adad Julien 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPurposeThe depth within the body, small diameter, long length, and varying tissue surrounding the spinal cord impose specific considerations when designing radiofrequency coils. The optimal coil configuration for 7 T cervical spinal cord MRI is unknown and, currently, there are very few coil options. The purpose of this work was (1) to establish a quality control protocol for evaluating 7 T cervical spinal cord coils and (2) to use that protocol to evaluate the performance of 4 different coil designs.MethodsThree healthy volunteers and a custom anthropomorphic phantom (the traveling spines cohort) were scanned at seven 7 T imaging centers using a common protocol and each center’s specific cervical spinal cord coil. Four different coil designs were tested (two in-house, one Rapid Biomedical, and one MRI.TOOLS design).ResultsThe Rapid Biomedical coil was found to have the highest B1+efficiency, whereas one of the in-house designs (NeuroPoly Lab) had the highest SNR and the largest spinal cord coverage. The MRI.TOOLS coil had the most uniform B1+profile along the cervical spinal cord; however, it was limited in its ability to provide the requested flip angles (especially for larger individuals). The latter was also the case for the second in-house coil (MSSM).ConclusionThe results of this study serve as a guide for the spinal cord MRI community in selecting the most suitable coil based on specific requirements and offer a standardized protocol for assessing future coils.
On the need of individually optimizing temporal interference stimulation of human brains due to inter-individual variability
Authors: Brahma Tapasi , Guillen Alexander , Datta Abhishek , Huang Yu 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTranscranial temporal interference stimulation (TI, TIS, or tTIS), also known as interferential stimulation (IFS), is able to focally stimulate deep brain regions, provided it is properly optimized. We previously presented an algorithm for optimizing TI using two arrays of electrodes and showed that it can achieve more focal stimulation compared to optimized high-definition transcranial electrical stimulation (HD-TES) and conventional optimized TI using two pairs of electrodes, especially in the deep brain areas such as the hippocampus. However, those modeling studies were only performed on an averaged head (MNI152 template) along with three individual heads. Existing TI work in the literature mostly does not optimize the stimulation but only utilizes a common (possibly optimized) montage of two pairs of electrodes on different individual heads. Here we aim to study the inter-individual variability of optimized TI by applying the same optimization algorithms on N = 10 heads using their individualized head models. Specifically, we compared the focality achieved by different stimulation techniques at three different regions of interest (ROI; right hippocampus, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and left motor cortex). As expected, there is a variability in focality achieved by TI of up to 0.95 cm at the same ROI across subjects due to inter-individual differences in the head anatomy and tissue conductivity. Again we show that optimized TI using two arrays of electrodes achieve higher focality compared to optimized HD-TES at the same level of modulation intensity, especially at the deep brain locations. Compared to using a common montage obtained from a standard head (MNI152 template), individually optimized HD-TES does not significantly improve the stimulation focality at the ROIs. However, individually optimized TI does significantly improve the focality by up to ~4 cm for TI using two pairs of electrodes, and by up to ~1 cm for TI using two arrays of electrodes. This work demonstrates the need of individually optimizing TI to target deep brain areas, and advocates against using a common head model and montage for TI modeling and experimental studies.
Sexually selected traits predict female-biased philopatry in a sex-role reversed shorebird
Authors: Luna Leilton W. , Lipshutz Sara E. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSex-biased dispersal plays a key role in shaping population dynamics and genetic structure. Two main hypotheses have been proposed for how territoriality and mating competition impact sex-biased dispersal. Female-biased dispersal is expected in monogamous systems with male resource defense, whereas male-biased dispersal is expected in polygynous systems with male competition over mates. However, patterns of sex-biased dispersal in polyandrous species, where females compete for both territories and mates, remain poorly understood. We investigated sex-biased dispersal in two polyandrous Jacana species, the Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) and Wattled Jacana (J. jacana), which exhibit intense female-female competition for territories and mates and differ in the strength of sexual selection. We analyzed sex-biased dispersal by assessing genetic differentiation and individual assignment indices in these jacana species across Central America. Our findings reveal strong male-biased dispersal in Northern Jacanas, indicated by higher genetic structuring and philopatry in females. In contrast, Wattled Jacanas showed no significant dispersal bias between sexes. Furthermore, sexually selected traits in Northern Jacana females, such as larger body mass, tarsus, and wing spur length, were associated with philopatry, suggesting that larger females retain territories, whereas smaller females disperse. To our knowledge, this is the first genetic evidence of male-biased dispersal in a polyandrous species. Our findings reveal that sexually selected traits, in addition to territorial and mate competition, are important for understanding species and sex differences in dispersal evolution.
Calcineurin-mediated regulation of GAP-43 is essential for neurite and synapse formation and protects against α-synuclein-induced degeneration
Authors: Zaichick Sofia , Grebenik Ekaterina , Caraveo Gabriela 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTRise in calcium (Ca2+) and hyperactivation of Ca2+-dependent phosphatase calcineurin are two key determinants of α-synuclein (α-syn) pathobiology implicated in synucleinopathies such as Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson’s Disease. Calcineurin activity can be inhibited with FK506, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compound. Our previous work demonstrated a protective effect of sub-saturating doses of FK506 against α-syn pathology in a rat model of α-syn neurodegeneration. This neuroprotection was associated with the phosphorylation of GAP-43. In this study, we present evidence that phosphorylation of GAP-43 regulated by calcineurin is a critical determinant for neurite branching and synapse formation. Phosphorylation of GAP-43 promotes neurite branching and synapse formation whereas dephosphorylation prevents it. Therefore, our findings provide a novel way in which GAP-43 activity can be regulated by calcineurin and provide the mechanistic basis for neuroprotection for FK506 effects in neurons experiencing α-syn proteotoxic stress.
Muscle Strength and Size Relationships with Unilateral Progressive Resistance Training
Authors: Deiwert Donald D. , Ma Sisi , Carey Christopher , Greenwell Davin , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Thompson Paul D. , Price Thomas , Angelopoulos Theodore J. , Clarkson Priscilla M. , Gordon Paul M. , Moyna Niall M. , Pescatello Linda S. , Visich Paul S. , Zoeller Robert F. , Hoffman Eric P. , Hubal Monica J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPurposeThis study defines correlative and causal relationships between muscle strength and size before and after unilateral resistance training (RT) in a large cohort of healthy adults, focusing on sex differences within these relationships.MethodsResults from 1233 participants (504 males and 729 females) in a retrospective analysis were included. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction strength (MVC), one-repetition maximum strength (1RM), biceps cross-sectional area (CSA) and elbow flexor volume (VOL) measures of the non-dominant and dominant arm were evaluated from baseline and after 12-wk RT twice per week. Correlations of MVC and VOL and 1RM and VOL were calculated in the whole cohort and within each sex independently. Causal analysis modeling was used to infer mechanistic relationships among variables.ResultsAbsolute muscle strength and size related to one another both at baseline and following training, however correlation strength in each sex were weak. After RT, MVC relative change and VOL relative change correlations were correlated for the whole cohort (r=0.16; p<0.001) and females (r=0.18; p<0.001), but not in males (r=0.11; p=0.07). No significant correlations for relative change in 1RM and VOL were observed for the whole cohort or within sex. Causal discovery determined that change in VOL caused significant change in 1RM (but not MVC) and age was identified as a potential cause.ConclusionsSex differences occur in muscle size and strength relationship adaptations following resistance training, most notably the absence of significant relationships between relative size and strength changes in men. Simpson’s paradox bias, where assessing the combined data of males and females (also affecting overall sample size) affects identifies patterns differently than assessing relationships within each sex, may partially explain our findings.
New Cardiovascular Medications: Surveying Adoption Trends Among Cardiologists
Authors: Varjabedian Leon , Mohammadi Abbas , Mohammadi Ashkan , Vaseghi Yasaman 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntroductionThis study investigates factors influencing the adoption of new cardiovascular medications by private practice cardiologists in Las Vegas, focusing on economic, clinical, and informational barriers. Understanding these challenges is critical for improving medication uptake and optimizing patient care.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 1 and February 1, 2024, targeting private practice cardiologists in Las Vegas. Out of 47 invited participants, 68% completed the questionnaire. The survey evaluated economic barriers, patient considerations, and preferred methods of learning about new treatments.ResultsThe survey revealed that 54% of cardiologists adopt new medications within 2–6 months of approval, while fewer adopt them within 2 months or after 6–12 months. Economic barriers, particularly prior authorization requirements and high patient copays, were the most frequently reported challenges, surpassing concerns about clinical benefits or medication safety. Traditional conferences and professional society events emerged as the preferred sources of information for learning about new treatments, significantly outweighing reliance on digital platforms or pharmaceutical representatives.DiscussionEconomic factors, such as prior authorizations and copays, significantly delay the adoption of new cardiovascular medications. Cardiologists show a strong preference for formal educational resources, such as conferences and professional society events, over pharmaceutical outreach or digital platforms. Addressing these barriers requires streamlining administrative processes, reducing patient copays, and improving access to high-quality educational events. Collaboration between insurers, medical societies, and healthcare providers is essential to overcoming these obstacles and enhancing patient outcomes.