bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Therapeutic Effects of Cisternostomy versus Decompressive Craniectomy in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury - Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol
Authors: Kyaruzi Victor Meza , de Dieu Tumusifu Manegabe jean , David Samuel Oreoluwa , Kamabu Larrey Kasereka , Ikwuegbuenyi Chibuikem A. , Mukambo Emmanuel , Darko Kwadwo Ofori , Olabatoke Tunde A. , Foka Tcheutchoua Kathy , Emhemed Marwa S , Tango Tamara , Omran Murad Othman , Oyesiji Emmanuel , Bouche Djatche Wesley Harrisson , Javed Saad , Mduma Emmanuel , Shimber Emnet Tesfaye , Hussein Abdul-Aziz Abdellah , Gankpe Fortune , Bureta Costansia Anselim , Rutabasibwa Nicephorus , Mchome Lemeri L , Esene Ignatius , Abdelaziz Osama 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a critical problem which portends an intensive burden with increased mortality and disability affecting more the young population worldwide. The primary goal of TBI treatment is to control intracranial pressure (ICP) and to prevent he devastating effect of secondary brain insult. For over a hundred years decompressive craniectomy has been a standard surgical intervention for treatment of TBI, however it is not without harm since it causes serious complications including meningitis, subdural hygroma, hydrocephalous and increased reoperation rate. Cisternostomy is the most recently introduced intervention for management of cerebral edema Cisternostomy has proven its efficiency a standalone treatment as an adjunctive to decompressive craniectomy in treatment of severe traumatic brain injury. This review aims at investigating the therapeutic effects of cisternostomy when used independently or as an adjunctive to decompressive craniectomy (DC) across the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and non randomized studies of effect intervention (NRSI) sectional studies to optimize the strength of evidence for underpinning the strategy for treatment of traumatic brain injury.Methods and AnalysisWe will conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis by employing the provisions of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guideline and the review protocol has been submitted to International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) for registration before commencement of the study. We will construct the search strategy using the all field terms, medical subheading terms [MeSH Terms] with all permutations combined with Boolean operators such as AND and OR. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, COCHRAINE, Web Of Science, Global Index Medicus, Semantic Scholar and Google Scholar electronic databases will be searched.Ethical Consideration and DisseminationThis review will not include any human participant such that the ethical clearance approval is not applicable. The protocol of this review has been registered at PROSPERO IDCRD42023400894. We will disseminate the final report of this review to local and international scientific conferences and The results of this review will be submitted for publication in the Journal of Neurotrauma.
Oral SARS-CoV-2 host responses predict the early COVID-19 disease course
Authors: Seaman William T , Keener Olive , Mei Wenwen , Mollan Katie R , Jones Corbin D , Pettifor Audrey , Bowman Natalie M ,   UNC OBSc Working Group, Wang Frank , Webster-Cyriaque Jennifer 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectivesOral fluids provide ready detection of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and host responses. This study sought to determine relationships between oral virus, oral anti-SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, and symptoms.MethodsSaliva/throat wash (saliva/TW) were collected from asymptomatic and symptomatic, nasopharyngeal (NP) SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR+, subjects (n=47). SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR, N-antigen detection by immunoblot and lateral flow assay (LFA) were performed. RT-qPCR targeting viral subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) was sequence confirmed. SARS-CoV-2-anti-S protein RBD LFA assessed IgM and IgG responses. Structural analysis identified host salivary molecules analogous to SARS-CoV-2-N-antigen. Statistical analyses were performed.ResultsAt baseline, LFA-detected N-antigen was immunoblot-confirmed in 82% of TW. However, only 3/17 were saliva/TW qPCR+. Sixty percent of saliva and 83% of TW demonstrated persistent N-antigen at 4 weeks. N-antigen LFA signal in three negative subjects suggested potential cross-detection of 4 structurally analogous salivary RNA binding proteins (alignment 19-29aa, RMSD 1-1.5 Angstroms). At entry, symptomatic subjects demonstrated replication-associated sgRNA junctions, were IgG+ (94%/100% in saliva/TW), and IgM+ (75%/63%). At 4 weeks, SARS-CoV-2 IgG (100%/83%) and IgM (80%/67%) persisted. Oral IgG correlated 100% with NP+PCR status. Cough and fatigue severity (p=0.0008 and 0.016), and presence of nausea, weakness, and composite upper respiratory symptoms (p=0.005, 0.037 and 0.017) were negatively associated with oral IgM. Female oral IgM levels were higher than male (p=0.056).ConclusionImportant to transmission and disease course, oral viral replication and persistence showed clear relationships with select symptoms, early Ig responses, and gender during early infection. N-antigen cross-reactivity may reflect mimicry of structurally analogous host proteins.
Severe cognitive decline in long-term care is related to gut microbiome production of metabolites involved in neurotransmission, immunomodulation, and autophagy
Authors: Shoubridge Andrew P. , Carpenter Lucy , Flynn Erin , Papanicolas Lito E. , Collins Josephine , Gordon David , Lynn David J. , Whitehead Craig , Leong Lex E.X. , Cations Monica , De Souza David P. , Narayana Vinod K. , Choo Jocelyn M. , Wesselingh Steve L. , Crotty Maria , Inacio Maria C. , Ivey Kerry , Taylor Steven L. , Rogers Geraint B. 
Published: March 2023

SummaryAgeing-associated cognitive decline affects more than half of those in long-term residential aged care. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiome-host interactions influence the effects of modifiable risk factors. We investigated the relationship between gut microbiome characteristics and severity of cognitive impairment (CI) in 159 residents of long-term aged care. Severe CI was associated with a significantly increased abundance of proinflammatory bacterial species, includingMethanobrevibacter smithiiandAlistipes finegoldii, and decreased relative abundance of beneficial bacterial clades. Severe CI was associated with increased microbial capacity for methanogenesis, and reduced capacity for synthesis of short-chain fatty acids, neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid, and amino acids required for neuro-protective lysosomal activity. These relationships were independent of age, sex, antibiotic exposure, and diet. Our findings implicate multiple gut microbiome-brain pathways in ageing-associated cognitive decline, including inflammation, neurotransmission, and autophagy, and highlight the potential to predict and prevent cognitive decline through microbiome-targeted strategies.
Discovery of paralogous GnRH and corazonin signaling systems in an invertebrate chordate
Authors: Yañez Guerra Luis Alfonso , Zandawala Meet 
Published: March 2023

AbstractGonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key regulator of reproductive function in vertebrates. GnRH is related to the corazonin (CRZ) neuropeptide which influences metabolism and stress responses in insects. Recent evidence suggests that GnRH and CRZ are paralogous and arose by a gene duplication in a common ancestor of bilaterians. Here we report the identification and complete characterization of the GnRH and CRZ signaling systems in the amphioxusBranchiostoma floridae. We have identified a novel GnRH peptide (YSYSYGFAP-NH2) that specifically activates two GnRH receptors and a CRZ peptide (FTYTHTW-NH2) that activates three CRZ receptors inB. floridae. The latter appear to be promiscuous, as two CRZ receptors can also be activated by GnRH in the physiological range. Hence, there is a potential for cross-talk between these closely-related signaling systems. Discovery of both the GnRH and CRZ signaling systems in one of the closest-living relatives of vertebrates provides a framework to discover their roles at the transition from invertebrates to vertebrates.SignificanceIdentifying neuropeptides and resolving the relationships of neuropeptides across different phyla is challenging due to their short sequences. Here we resolve a controversy regarding the identities and evolutionary relationships of a family of homologous neuropeptides that include the well-known human reproductive hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and insect stress hormone corazonin (CRZ). We have discovered bona fide GnRH and CRZ signaling systems inBranchiostomawhich provides a basis for investigating the evolution of the physiological roles of these neuropeptides in one of the closest living relatives of vertebrates.
Multiplexed Amplicon Sequencing Reveals High Sequence Diversity of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Québec Sewers
Authors: Gibson Claire , Kraemer Susanne A. , Klimova Natalia , Vanderweyen Laura , Klai Nouha , Díaz Mendoza Emmanuel , Guo Bing , Walsh David , Frigon Dominic 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-3) have recognised the importance of the environment in the development, spread and transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to humans and animals. Such recognition calls for wider surveillance of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) in wastewater and other environmental reservoirs. For ARG surveillance to be valuable to regulators, it must enable source tracking and risk assessment. Adequate surveillance also requires the processing of a large number of samples at a relatively low cost, and a low detection limit to allow quantification of the riskiest ARGs. However, current methods for tracking ARGs have various limitations. The current study presents a multiplexed targeted amplicon sequencing approach for the detection of sequence variants of ARGs in environmental samples. To demonstrate the application of this technique, wastewater samples collected from the inlet to 16 treatment plants located along a 440-km transect of the St-Lawrence river in the province of Quebec (Canada) were analysed. Among the ARGs examined, between 3 and 45 nucleic acid sequence variants were detected demonstrating the high sequence diversity that occurs within genes originating from a single sample type and the information that is missed using traditional techniques. Using the PLSDB and Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD), the risk of ARG sequence variants was inferred based upon their reported mobility and detection in pathogens. Results suggest that sequence variants within a single ARG class present different risks to public health. In the future, targeted amplicon sequencing could be a valuable tool in environmental studies for both risk assessment purposes and in AMR source tracking.
Mutations in an unrecognized internal NPT2A PDZ motif disrupt phosphate transport causing congenital hypophosphatemia
Authors: Sneddon W Bruce , Friedman Peter A , Mamonova Tatyana 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe Na+-dependent phosphate cotransporter-2A (NPT2A, SLC34A1) is a primary regulator of extracellular phosphate homeostasis. Its most prominent structural element is a carboxy-terminal PDZ ligand that binds Na+/H+Exchanger Regulatory Factor-1 (NHERF1, SLC9A3R1). NHERF1, a multidomain PDZ protein,establishes NPT2A membrane localization and is required for hormone-sensitive phosphate transport. NPT2A also possesses an uncharacterized internal PDZ ligand. Two recent clinical reports describe congenital hypophosphatemia in children harboring Arg495His or Arg495Cys variants within the internal PDZ motif. The wild-type internal494TRL496PDZ ligand binds NHERF1 PDZ2, which we consider a regulatory domain. Ablating the internal PDZ ligand with a494AAA496substitution blocked hormone-sensitive phosphate transport. Complementary approaches, including CRISPR/Cas9 technology, site-directed mutagenesis, confocal microscopy, and modeling, showed that NPT2A Arg495His or Arg495Cys variants do not support PTH or FGF23 action on phosphate transport. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicate that both variants bind NHERF1 similarly to WT NPT2A. However, in contrast to WT NPT2A, NPT2A Arg495His or Arg495Cys variants remain at the apical membrane and are not internalized in response to PTH. We predict that Cys or His substitution of the charged Arg495changes the electrostatics, preventing phosphorylation of the upstream Thr494, interfering with phosphate uptake in response to hormone action, and inhibiting NPT2A trafficking. We advance a model wherein the carboxyterminal PDZ ligand defines apical localization NPT2A, while the internal PDZ ligand is essential for hormone-triggered phosphate transport.
Thinking Outside the “Flow-Mediated” Box: An Analysis of Aortic Dilation in 100 Fetuses with Tetralogy of Fallot Compared to Matched Controls
Authors: Dasgupta Minnie N , Kaplinski Michelle A , Reddy Charitha D , Collins R Thomas 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundAortic dilation in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is primarily attributed to increased aortic flowin utero. An alternative hypothesis is abnormal neural crest cell migration, with unequal septation of the truncus arteriosus resulting in a larger aorta and inherently hypoplastic pulmonary artery (PA). If so, we hypothesize the aorta to PA ratio (Ao:PA) in TOF is stable throughout gestation, and the total sum of dimensions of the great arteries is similar to controls.MethodsWe performed a single-center retrospective study of all fetuses with TOF (2014-2020) and gestational age-matched controls. We compared sums of diameters, circumferences, and cross-sectional areas of the aorta and PA and evaluated the Ao:PA across gestation in TOF with pulmonary stenosis (TOF-PS) and atresia (TOF-PA). We analyzed data with two-tailed t-tests and Pearson’s correlation.ResultsThere were 100 fetuses with TOF (36% TOF-PA) with median gestational age of 31 weeks [IQR 26.5, 34.4] and median maternal age of 34 years [IQR 30, 37]. There were no differences in sums of great artery dimensions between TOF-PS and controls. In TOF-PA, sums were significantly lower than controls. The Ao:PA was stable throughout gestation.ConclusionsThe aorta in fetal TOF is large but grows proportionally throughout gestation, with a sum of great artery dimensions similar to controls. TOF-PA appears to be distinct from TOF-PS (with overall smaller dimensions), and is a group that warrants further investigation. In conclusion, our findings do not support the flow-mediated model of aortic dilation in TOF, and instead suggest an intrinsic developmental mechanism.Clinical PerspectiveWhat’s New?The aorta in fetal Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is large, but grows proportionally throughout gestation with a total sum of great artery dimensions similar to controls.Fetuses with TOF with pulmonary atresia have smaller great artery dimensions than TOF with pulmonary stenosis; this distinct group warrants further investigation.Our findings suggest that aortic dilation in TOF may be secondary to an intrinsic developmental mechanism, rather than from increased flow to the aortain utero.What are the clinical implications?The mechanisms of aortic dilation in fetal TOF have not been previously investigated.While aortic dilation is commonly seen in TOF, the degree of its progression over time and risk of dissection are not well understood.A better understanding of the etiology of aortic dilation in TOF could help to inform management decisions, particularly regarding the need for prophylactic surgical repair.
TheVibrio fischeritype VI secretion system incurs a fitness cost under host-like conditions
Authors: Septer Alecia N. , Sharpe Garrett , Shook Erika A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe type VI secretion system (T6SS) is an interbacterial weapon composed of thousands of protein subunits and predicted to require significant cellular energy to deploy, yet a fitness cost from T6SS use is rarely observed. Here, we identify host-like conditions where the T6SS incurs a fitness cost using the beneficial symbiont,Vibrio fischeri, which uses its T6SS to eliminate competitors in the natural squid host. We hypothesized that a fitness cost for the T6SS could be dependent on the cellular energetic state and used theoretical ATP cost estimates to predict when a T6SS-dependent fitness cost may be apparent. Theoretical energetic cost estimates predicted a minor relative cost for T6SS use in fast-growing populations (0.4-0.45% of total ATP used cell-1), and a higher relative cost (3.1-13.6%) for stationary phase cells. Consistent with these predictions, we observed no significant T6SS-dependent fitness cost for fast-growing populations typically used for competition assays. However, the stationary phase cell density was significantly lower in the wild-type strain, compared to a regulator mutant that does not express the T6SS, and this T6SS-dependent fitness cost was between 11 and 23%. Such a fitness cost could influence the prevalence and biogeography of T6SSs in animal-associated bacteria. While the T6SS may be required in kill or be killed scenarios, once the competitor is eliminated there is no longer selective pressure to maintain the weapon. Our findings indicate an evolved genotype lacking the T6SS would have a growth advantage over its parent, resulting in the eventual dominance of the unarmed population.
The role of institutional investors in enacting stewardship by corporate boards
Authors: Melis Danielle A.M. , Nijhof André 
Published: March 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to clarify the relationship between the voting and engagement behaviour of institutional investors, i.e. institutional investor stewardship behaviour, and the enactment of stewardship by corporate boards. In doing so, this paper contributes to the evaluation of contemporary corporate governance systems and provides recommendations for the redesign of these systems.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on a qualitative exploratory descriptive research study into assumed, prescribed and the actual behaviour of institutional investors. Their behaviour is explored through a survey and in-depth interviews with global institutional investors.

Findings
The prescription of institutional investor stewardship behaviour and the exploration of actual behaviour from an investors’ perspective led to the conclusion that assumed institutional investor stewardship exists variously as either “in form” (i.e. measured by compliance to the relevant corporate governance code) or “in substance” (i.e. the actual behaviour from the investors and investee companies’ perspective). The results suggest that that institutional investors’ actual stewardship behaviour as global investors requires a nuanced conclusion about the existence of institutional investor stewardship.

Research limitations/implications
Although the number of semi-structured interviews with institutional investors was limited to just 14, these interviewees represent the majority share in terms of market capitalisation of Dutch listed companies. Additional research could clarify the perspective of other investors, such as pension funds and private investors.

Practical implications
The outcome of this research can serve as input for corporate governance reforms in the preambles of governance codes and the prescribed principles and best practice provisions of corporate governance and stewardship codes. This research identifies opportunities for further academic research to enrich the understanding of the role of institutional investors in enacting corporate stewardship.

Social implications
This paper contributes to furthering the understanding of the mechanisms by which institutional investors, through their behaviour, contribute to enacting stewardship through their corporate boards. This is an important part of the corporate social responsibility of institutional investors. It also triggers a dialogue about the social and environmental impacts of stock listed companies.

Originality/value
This paper fulfils an identified need to develop knowledge about new paradigms and offers a more integrated approach to corporate governance reforms in terms of the role of institutional shareholders in the promotion of good corporate governance.
Examining the perception of site workers of their risk-taking behaviours on construction sites in Ghana
Authors: Danso Frederick Owusu , Agyekum Kofi , Manu Patrick , Adinyira Emmanuel , Ahadzie Divine K. , Badu Edward 
Published: March 2023

PurposeAlthough many health and safety (H&S) studies have widely examined safety risk perception in the construction industry, few studies have explored how this perception influences site workers' risk-taking behaviours during construction. This study aims to examine how construction site workers perceive and judge safety risks in risk-taking behaviours of site workers for intervention safety policy framework that may encourage safe work.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed Pictorial-based Q-Methodology, which documented 63 picture scenarios of risk-taking behaviours from building sites and submitted them for validation from H&S inspectors. In total, 33 pictures emerged as having great potential to cause harm. After using these 33 pictures to elicit data from randomised site workers, the study used Frequency Tabulation, Relative Importance Index (RII) and Kruskal–Wallis Test to analyse the collected data. To fully explain the analysed data for deeper understanding, the study conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with these site workers to share the thoughts of site workers on these pictures.FindingsTwo distinctive pictures emerged from these analyses: one showing risk-taking behaviour likely to contract internal and skin disease and the other likely to fall from height. One of the implications is that construction site workers are unfamiliar with the dangerous contaminants in the materials the site workers use to work, which can potentially harm the site workers' skin and internal organs. Hence, site workers continue engaging in risk-taking behaviours. The other is that site workers are aware of and can mention catastrophic physical injuries attached to site workers' jobs. However, site workers continue engaging in risk-taking behaviours because of site workers' safety plights and rely on the favour and mercies of a supreme being as coping strategies to escape from these physical injuries.Originality/valueThis study is original in that the study uses picture scenarios of risk-taking behaviours to amass an empirical-based understanding of how site workers perceive and respond to H&S risks during construction. This piece of evidence is missing in the numerous research studies in this area. Again, the findings contribute to the state-of-the-art literature regarding risk-taking behaviours on construction sites.