bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strong Association Between HIV Incidence and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in Zambia and South Africa: Prospective Data From the HPTN 071 (PopART) Trial
Authors: Bradley J , Floyd S , Piwowar-Manning E , Laeyendecker O , Baker O R , Bell-Mandla N , Bwalya J , Moore A , Eshleman S H , Donnell D , Bock P , Fidler S , Ayles H , Hayes R J 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) is an important cofactor for HIV acquisition and transmission. Associations between the infections are reexamined in longitudinal data from an HIV prevention trial.

Methods
The HPTN 071 (PopART) trial evaluated a combination prevention intervention in 21 urban communities in Zambia and South Africa. HIV incidence was measured in a cohort of approximately 2000 adults (age, 18–44 years) selected randomly from each community and followed up for 36 months. Incidence of HSV2 infection was estimated, and the effects of risk factors were examined. The association between HIV incidence and HSV2 infection was examined at individual and community levels.

Results
An overall 10 539 participants were HSV2 negative at baseline and retested after 36 months. Estimated HSV2 incidence was 5.4 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 5.0–5.7) for women and 2.9 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 2.6–3.2) for men. When compared with those remaining HSV2 negative, HIV incidence was higher in those who were HSV2 positive at baseline (women: adjusted rate ratio [aRR], 3.24 [95% CI, 2.50–4.20]; men: aRR, 2.57 [95% CI, 1.60–4.11]) and even higher in those who seroconverted to HSV2 during follow-up (women: aRR, 5.94 [95% CI, 4.42–7.98]; men: aRR, 8.37 [95% CI, 5.18–13.52]). At the community level, strong associations were seen between HIV incidence and HSV2 prevalence (R2 = 0.48, P &lt; .001) and incidence (R2 = 0.36, P = .004).

Conclusions
There were strong associations between HIV incidence and HSV2 prevalence and incidence at individual and community levels. HSV2 control could contribute to HIV prevention.
The Normative Structure of Multicultural Secularism
Authors: Thompson Simon , Modood Tariq 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Our aim in this article is to describe the normative structure of what we call multicultural secularism, and to make a case for this particular conception of state–religion relations. On our account, multicultural secularism is secular since it maintains an appropriate degree of autonomy of the state from religion, and of religion from the state. The state does not interfere unjustifiably in religious matters, and religious communities do not have an excessive influence on the state. At the same time, we believe that such mutual autonomy—and hence secularity—can be maintained even when the state provides religions with a range of forms of recognition and accommodation. It is in this sense that our conception of secularism is multicultural, since it takes multiculturalism’s commitment to the positive valuing and recognition of difference and applies this specifically to religion. In this article, we intend to show why it should do so.
Phase I study of intratumoral injection of talimogene laherparepvec for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Runcie Karie , Bracero Yadriel , Samouha Avishai , Manji Gulam , Remotti Helen E , Gonda Tamas A , Saenger Yvonne 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a redoubtable challenge due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies.

Methods
Here, we report our results investigating the safety and efficacy of talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), an FDA-approved oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1, in patients with advanced PDAC. Nine patients with treatment-refractory advanced PDAC received escalating doses of T-VEC via endoscopic injection.

Results
While no objective responses were observed, stable disease was achieved in 44% of patients, with a median overall survival of 7.8 months, including one patient who survived 28 months. Adverse events were manageable, with the maximum tolerated dose determined to be 108 PFU/mL.

Conclusion
Our findings underscore the feasibility of intratumoral T-VEC administration in advanced PDAC. Further investigation, particularly in combination with immunotherapies administered systemically is warranted to more optimally assess T-VEC in this challenging malignancy.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03086642.
Investigation of a new model combining solar tower and a spherical solar still for water distillation
Authors: Lachhab Saad Eddin , Diyagh Hafsa , Boukharta Azzeddin , Bayoud Amine , Nabaoui Khalid , Ibrahmi E Al , Dlimi L , Bliya A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a hybrid system using solar tower and tubular solar energy for desalination. Total radiation (dqspher) was calculated using MATLAB algorithms, encoding a 3x4 matrix for temperature, pressure, and air saturation transfer within the glass globe. The results are supported by the latest data published in the literature. Between angle 0° and 35°, the rate of dqspher exceeded 689,546 Kw/m2 in 5 hours. Desalinated water reached 4.2 L/m2 at a rate of 76.63%. The encouraging results promote the application of this technology for water desalination, ensuring efficiency, environmental friendliness and affordability.
Integration of DNA Methylation, MicroRNAome, Degradome and Transcriptome Provides Insights into Petunia Anther Development
Authors: Yue Yuanzheng , Zhu Wuwei , Wang Jiahui , Wang Tengteng , Shi Lisha , Thomas Hannah Rae , Hu Huirong , Wang Lianggui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Petunia hybrida is an annual herb flower that is prevalently cultivated both in public landscaping and home gardening. Anthers are vital reproductive organs for plants, but the molecular mechanism controlling petunia anther development remains elusive. In this work, we combined DNA methylation, microRNAome, degradome and transcriptome data to generate a comprehensive resource focused on exploring the complex molecular mechanism of petunia anther development. This study shows that DNA methylation could have an important impact in repressing the anther-expressed genes in the late stages of anther maturation. A total of 8,096 anther-preferential genes and 149 microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified that highly expressed in the five typical petunia anther developmental stages. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes as well as miRNAs target genes revealed that metabolic, cellular and single-organism processes were significantly activated during the anther maturation processes. Moreover, a co-expression regulatory network for five typical anther development stages was constructed based on transcriptomic data, in which two hub transcription factors, PhERF48 and PhMS1, were demonstrated to be important regulatory genes for male fertility. Furthermore, two DNA demethylase proteins (PhDME and PhDML3) and three methyl-CpG-binding-domain proteins (PhMBD2, PhMBD3 and PhMBD4) were identified as potential critical DNA methylation regulators in petunia anther development. Our results provide new knowledge regarding the regulatory mechanism of petunia anther development, which will support the breeding of novel sterile petunia lines in the future.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of ichthyoplankton in a temperate estuary: identifying essential habitats for early life stages
Authors: Arevalo Elorri , Villeneuve Bertrand , Possémé Carl , Lançon Kévin , François Baptiste , Jan Gwilherm , Quinton Eric , Cabral Henrique N , Lepage Mario 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Estuaries are important nursery habitats for the early life stages of fishes. Fish populations in the Gironde Estuary (South-Western France) have collapsed in recent decades, due to massive habitat destruction and poor water quality. In this context, we sampled the ichthyoplankton in the Gironde Estuary for one year to understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of fish larvae and identify key habitats. Total density of larvae was analyzed in relation to season (summer, winter, spring), area (oligo, meso, polyhaline), habitat type (confluences, mudflats) and depth (shallow, intermediate, deep). In total, 32 499 fish larvae were identified and divided into 14 taxa. Larval densities were largely dominated by an estuarine resident taxon, but marine estuarine-opportunist and diadromous species were also present. Summer was characterized by few taxa, including Engraulis encrasicolus, Dicentrarchus spp. or Pomatoschistus spp., in low density (0.16 ± 0.53 larvae m-3 on average). Larval densities were higher in winter (0.30 ± 2.13) and spring (29.50 ± 291.00). Diadromous species were particularly present in winter, and gobies (Pomatoschistus spp.) dominated the spring assemblage. The oligohaline area and intertidal mudflats appeared to be key habitats in terms of larval density and diversity and should be target locations of conservation/restoration measures.
Focused anatomic review: ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulation of the sciatic, posterior tibial, and obturator nerves
Authors: Cho James S , Grisham Alanah , Wang Annette , Vazquez Rafael , Kelly Charles , Scemama Pascal , Hao David 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is an emerging modality for managing pain by targeting specific nerves. This focused review examines the anatomy and ultrasound imaging techniques for the sciatic, posterior tibial, and obturator nerves. The current evidence is limited to proof-of-concept studies and case reports. Further research is needed to optimize technical approaches and address the unique challenges of peripheral nerve stimulation.
Why municipalities seek, secure, and fail to secure police shared service agreements
Authors: Mazeika David M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Policing is often the largest municipal expense exclusively provided by its own employees. Evidence suggests that sharing services may provide numerous benefits including reduced costs and improved service quality. This study outlines the motivation behind seeking shared police services, the reasons municipalities were or were not able to successfully enter a contract, and the effects of state efforts to encourage the sharing of services. Interviews were conducted with senior officials in addition to public document reviews in 13 municipalities in New Jersey and offered suggestions to enhance this form of service delivery.
Unveiling the Inconsistency of the Proca Theory with Nonminimal Coupling to Gravity
Authors: Hell Anamaria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We study the degrees of freedom of the Proca theory, nonminimally coupled to gravity. In the Minkowski background, this theory propagates five degrees of freedom: a massive longitudinal mode, two massive vector ones, and two massless tensor modes. At first sight, the nonlinear coupling between the metric perturbations and the vector field indicates that both longitudinal and tensor modes become strongly coupled, at the same scale. This would imply that no matter how small the photon mass is, if nonminimal coupling is taken into account, gravitational waves would necessarily be strongly coupled. We show that the way out of this inconsistency is through the introduction of the disformal coupling to the metric perturbations that resemble the vector-type disformal transformations. This way, the unphysical coupling between the two types of modes can be avoided, rendering the model consistent. As a result, we show that only the longitudinal modes enter a strong coupling regime, while both tensor and transverse modes remain weakly coupled at all scales up to the Planck length. Finally, using the same form of the disformal transformation, we introduce a disformal frame in which the recently reported runaway modes are absent.
Innovation behavior and sustainability performance: Empirical evidence on the farming sector
Authors: Frick Fabian , Vrolijk Hans , Sauer Johannes 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Modern agriculture faces the challenge of supplying a growing world population with high-quality products while minimizing negative environmental and social impacts of its production and ensuring economic viability. Innovation is often considered key to achieving these goals, but its effectiveness remains an empirical question. Our study investigates how the adoption of new technologies affects farm sustainability with respect to its economic and environmental and one indicator of the social dimension. We use a comprehensive dataset on Dutch dairy and arable farms comprising financial and environmental data along with data on innovation activity that allows for a differentiated view on the effects of various innovations. First-difference estimations reveal that simultaneous positive effects across all three sustainability dimensions are not guaranteed. For example, new buildings show a positive association with economic indicators of dairy farms, but the associations between other innovation activities and other economic, environmental, and the social indicator remain inconclusive.
Electrospinning based biomaterials for biomimetic fabrication, bioactive protein delivery and wound regenerative repair
Authors: Dai Xinyi , Nie Wei , Shen Hua , Machens Hans-Günther , Böker Kai , Taheri Shahed , Lehmann Wolfgang , Shen Yi , Schilling Arndt F 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Electrospinning is a remarkably straightforward and adaptable technique that can be employed to process an array of synthetic and natural materials, resulting in the production of nanoscale fibers. It has emerged as a novel technique for biomedical applications and has gained increasing popularity in the research community in recent times. In the context of tissue repair and tissue engineering, there is a growing tendency toward the integration of biomimetic scaffolds and bioactive macromolecules, particularly proteins and growth factors. The design of ‘smart’ systems provides not merely physical support, but also microenvironmental cues that can guide regenerative tissue repair. Electrospun nanofibrous matrices are regarded as a highly promising tool in this area, as they can serve as both an extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking scaffold and a vehicle for the delivery of bioactive proteins. Their highly porous architecture and high surface-to-volume ratio facilitate the loading of drugs and mass transfer. By employing a judicious selection of materials and processing techniques, there is considerable flexibility in efficiently customizing nanofiber architecture and incorporating bioactive proteins. This article presents a review of the strategies employed for the structural modification and protein delivery of electrospun nanofibrous materials, with a focus on the objective of achieving a tailored tissue response. The article goes on to discuss the challenges currently facing the field and to suggest future research directions.
Azithromycin-loaded PLGA microspheres coated with silk fibroin ameliorate inflammation and promote periodontal tissue regeneration
Authors: Ouyang Zhaoguang , Chen Xiaoyu , Wang Zhengyang , Xu Yue , Deng Zhe , Xing Liangyu , Zhang Li , Hu Meilin , Li Haocong , Lian Tengye , Gao Feng , Liu Chunyi , Zhou Yangyang , Sun Lu , Wang Ying ChengYao , Liu Dayong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Periodontitis, a widespread inflammatory disease, is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. While mechanical periodontal therapy benefits the periodontal disease treatment, adjunctive periodontal therapy is also necessary. Topically applied anti-inflammatory agents have gained considerable attention in periodontitis therapy. Although azithromycin (AZM) possesses excellent anti-inflammatory properties, its bioavailability is limited owing to poor water solubility and the absence of sustained release mechanisms. Herein, we synthesized biodegradable microspheres (AZM@PLGA-SF) for sustained AZM release to locally ameliorate periodontal inflammation and facilitate periodontal tissue regeneration. AZM was encapsulated in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (AZM@PLGA) using single emulsion-solvent evaporation, followed by surface coating with silk fibroin (SF) via electrostatic adsorption, reducing the initial burst release of AZM. In vivo, local treatment with AZM@PLGA-SF microspheres significantly reduced periodontal inflammation and restored periodontal tissue to healthy levels. Mechanically, the formulated microspheres regulated the periodontal inflammatory microenvironment by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor -α, interleukin [IL]-6, interferon-γ, IL-2, and IL-17A) in gingival crevicular fluid and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). AZM@PLGA-SF microspheres demonstrated excellent biological safety. Therefore, we introduce an anti-inflammatory therapy for periodontitis with substantial potential for mitigating periodontal inflammation and encouraging the repair and regeneration of periodontal tissues.
Diagnosing a child presenting with symptoms suggesting Sjögren’s disease: a tool for clinical practice
Authors: Stern Sara M , Basiaga Matthew L , Cha Seunghee , Thatayatikom Akaluck , Treemacki Erin B , Randell Rachel L , Dizon Brian L P , Appenzeller Simone , Edens Cuoghi , Orrock Janet E , Tiger Sharon , Diianni Jamie , Amoafo Linda , Lieberman Scott M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Childhood SjD (cSjD) is a rare disease. There are no widely accepted diagnostic or classification criteria for cSjD. To fill this gap, members from the CARRA Sjögren Disease Workgroup and the International Childhood Sjögren Disease Workgroup created a clinical diagnostic algorithm. This study evaluated the accuracy of this algorithm using an international cohort of participants with clinician-diagnosed cSjD.

Methods
First, experts developed a cSjD diagnostic algorithm through a series of virtual workgroup meetings. Using the adult classification criteria as a framework, experts modified the algorithm through opinion and literature review. The group discussed and finalized each algorithm step by achieving majority rule. Then, R statistical software was used to evaluate each participant’s disease status in the diagnostic algorithm via an international cohort of 300 cSjD cases.

Results
The diagnostic algorithm has three distinct clinical pathways representing the key clinical presentation in cSjD: parotitis, extraglandular manifestations, and sicca symptoms. The algorithm showed an overall sensitivity of 75% in the population that had enough data to complete at least one pathway of the algorithm (n = 100 filtered out of 300). The parotitis (70%) and sicca pathways (82%) had the highest sensitivity, and the extraglandular pathway (52%) had the lowest.

Conclusion
As cSjD lacks a diagnostic strategy, this algorithm provides a clinical tool for evaluating children with cSjD-like symptoms. It performed well in an international cohort of cSjD, supporting the integration of this algorithm into clinical practice; however, its utility may be limited by low utilization of diagnostic testing in this population.
O003 Higher central circadian temperature amplitude is associated with greater metabolite rhythmicity in humans
Authors: Windred D , Anderson C , Jeppe K , Ftouni S , Grant L , Nijagal B , Rajaratnam S , McConville M , Tull D , Lockley S , Cain S , Phillips A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Robust circadian rhythms are essential for optimal health. The central circadian clock controls temperature rhythms, which are known to organize the timing of peripheral circadian rhythms in rodents. In humans, however, it is unknown whether temperature rhythms relate to the organization of circadian rhythms throughout the body.

Methods
We assessed core body temperature amplitude and the rhythmicity of 929 blood plasma metabolites across a 40-hour constant routine protocol, controlling for behavioral and environmental factors that mask endogenous temperature rhythms, in 23 healthy individuals (mean [±SD] age = 25.4±5.7 years, 5 females). Valid core body temperature data were available in 17/23 (mean [±SD] age = 25.6±6.3 years, 1 female).

Results
Individuals with higher core body temperature amplitude had a greater number of metabolites exhibiting circadian rhythms (R²=0.37, p=.009). Higher core body temperature amplitude was also associated with less variability in the free-fitted periods of metabolite rhythms within an individual (R²=0.47, p=.002).

Discussion
These findings indicate that a more robust central circadian clock is associated with greater organization of circadian metabolite rhythms in humans. Metabolite rhythms may therefore provide a window into the strength of the central circadian clock.
O004 Incorporating Arousals into Sleep vs. Wakefulness Classification Outperforms Traditional Binary Classification at 1-Second Epoch Resolution
Authors: Somaskandhan P , Korkalainen H , Leppänen T , Töyräs J , Melehan K , Wilson D , Ruehland W , Mann D , Terrill P 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
30-second epoch-based sleep scoring of polysomnography has key limitations in capturing physiological sleep-state dynamics. Particularly, epoch boundaries may not align with physiological sleep-state transitions (or transition frequencies); and the separate scoring of wakefulness and arousals artificially separates these phenomena.

Method
A deep-learning-based algorithm was developed for sleep vs. wakefulness/arousal classification with a 1-second epoch resolution. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Sleep dataset (n=2034) was used to first train and evaluate traditional sleep vs. wakefulness classification (Model 1). Afterwards, it was used to classify sleep vs. wakefulness/arousals, incorporating arousals with a heuristic correction for sleep-to-wake transitions when required (Model 2). Additionally, we analysed how segments with arousals are treated by both models.

Results
Model 1 achieved an overall concordance of 90.38% (Cohen’s kappa κ=0.80, global F1 score=0.89) with manual scoring in the evaluation set (n=306), while Model 2 attained a concordance of 91.04% (κ=0.82, F1=0.90). Model 2 had slightly improved performance compared to Model 1 in classifying both wakefulness (91.9% vs. 90.1%) and sleep (92.9% vs. 92.7), p&lt;0.05 (McNemar’s test). Model 2 also more accurately classified arousal segments as a form of wakefulness (61.1% vs. 51.5%).

Discussion
Despite training on a conventionally annotated dataset with 30-second epochs, Model 2 with arousals incorporated outperformed Model 1’s traditional binary classification concordance at 1-second epoch resolution. These results highlight the potential of using shorter epochs for sleep classification by treating arousals similarly to wakefulness. This approach may capture nuanced sleep-wake transitional characteristics but requires validation against datasets scored on a continuous basis.