bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological, clinical and mortality trends in people living with HIV over 60 years in the PISCIS population-based cohort from Catalonia and Balearic Islands
Authors: Bruguera Andreu , Nomah Daniel K. , Moreno-Fornés Sergio , Martinez Esteban , Negredo Eugènia , Tiraboschi Juan , Navarro Jordi , Domingo Pere , Fanjul Francisco , Villoslada Aroa , Peraire Joaquim , Jaen Angeles , Miró José M. , Casabona Jordi , Reyes-Urueña Juliana 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
With HIV now a chronic condition and an aging population, understanding the evolving profiles of older people living with HIV (PWH) is crucial. In this longitudinal study we examined changes in epidemiological and mortality trends among aging PWH aged 60 and above from 1998 to 2021.

Design:
The study constructed four retrospective cohorts based on our calendar periods, reflecting the changing epidemiology of HIV - 1998-2003, 2004-2008, 2009-2014, and 2015-2021. Each calendar period included patients on follow-up that turned 60 during that period in PISCIS, the Populational HIV Cohort from Catalonia and Balearic Islands.

Methods:
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were analysed and compared between periods, and 5-year mortality-associated factors were assessed.

Results:
Results indicate the proportion of those infected through intravenous drug use in older PWH has increased (4.7% in 1998-2003 vs 24.7% in 2015-2021), as well as those born outside Spain (7.5% vs 21.8%), alongside a lesser percentage of late HIV diagnoses (59.9% vs 46.8%), reflecting a change in older PWH epidemiological profile. The presence of ≥3 comorbidities emerged as a significant predictor of 5-year mortality in the latest cohort, while CD4 cell count of <200 cells/μL at the age of 60 lost significance [1998-2008: HR:3.19 (CI:1.18-8.63) – 2015-2021: HR:1.38 (CI:0.74-2.59)], underscoring the transition to the chronic disease era of the HIV pandemic.

Conclusion:
Despite advanced treatment strategies have improved HIV health indicators, new challenges have emerged among the older PWH. Tailored interventions addressing the unique difficulties faced by this population are essential to optimize HIV care outcomes.
Pregnancy Outcomes and All-Cause Mortality Following Pregnancy among U.S.-Born Women with Perinatally Acquired HIV
Authors: Abraham Bisrat K. , Vogler Mary , Talati Achala , Suresh Prapitha , Gill Balwant , Ravikumar Saiganesh , Shepard Colin , Gulick Roy , Nash Denis , Peters Vicki 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Maternal and pregnancy outcomes among women with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) versus women with HIV acquired through other routes (NPHIV), are not fully understood.

Setting:
U.S.-born women during 2005–2015 in New York City (NYC)

Methods:
We utilized data from the NYC HIV surveillance registry, Expanded Perinatal Surveillance (EPS) database, and Vital Statistics, to compare pregnancy and all-cause mortality outcomes among women with PHIV versus NPHIV delivering infants during 2005–2015.

Results:
There were 186 deliveries among 137 women with PHIV and 1188 deliveries among 910 women with NPHIV. Women with PHIV were younger at delivery, more likely to be aware of their HIV status, and less likely to use substances or be incarcerated. At the time of delivery, women with PHIV were more likely to have HIV RNA>1,000 copies/mL (34% vs. 19%), CD4<200 cells/µL (18% vs. 7%; median CD4 300 cells/µL vs. 435 cells/µL), to have adequate prenatal care (43% vs. 35%), and to deliver by elective C-section (63% vs. 49%). There were no differences in intrapartum and neonatal antiretroviral therapy use, perinatal transmission, gestational age and birth weight of the infants, nor infant mortality. Women with NPHIV had higher survival compared to women with PHIV (RR=2.29, P=0.004; age-adjusted aRR=3.23, P<0.001; age and CD4 adjusted aRR=2.09, P=0.046).

Conclusions:
Women with PHIV had lower long-term survival after delivery likely due to limited HIV treatment options in childhood and a longer duration of HIV infection, underscoring the importance of close follow-up and tailored support services beyond the post-partum period.
Update on syphilis diagnostics
Authors: Sweitzer Stephanie , Duncan Joseph A. , Seña Arlene C. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review
Syphilis is rising globally, with resultant increases in morbidity and mortality that disproportionately impact underserved populations. Appropriate screening and testing for syphilis with accurate, reliable, affordable, and timely assays is crucial for combating this epidemic. This review provides a brief overview of laboratory methods for syphilis diagnosis, with a focus on recent updates in diagnostics and directions for future research.

Recent findings
Syphilis can be complex and time-consuming to diagnose and stage appropriately. The historic use of darkfield microscopy for diagnosis has been eclipsed by algorithms that include both nontreponemal and treponemal antibody tests for screening and confirmation of active Treponema pallidum infection. Newer diagnostic modalities include nucleic acid amplification assays (NAATs) and point-of-care testing (POCT), which hold promise for increasing identification of active syphilis but have notable limitations. More work is needed to develop accurate, reliable, affordable, and expeditious tests to optimize syphilis diagnosis.

Summary
Algorithms utilizing a combination of serological treponemal and nontreponemal assays remain standard of care for the diagnosis of syphilis, but recently developed NAATs and POCT assays present opportunities to increase syphilis detection. Further research is warranted to improve upon these testing modalities and explore other markers that could aid in syphilis diagnosis.
Climate change and extreme weather events and linkages with HIV outcomes: recent advances and ways forward
Authors: Logie Carmen H. , MacNeil Andie 
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review
Discuss the recent evidence on climate change and related extreme weather events (EWE) and linkages with HIV prevention and care outcomes.

Recent findings
We identified 22 studies exploring HIV prevention and care in the context of EWE. HIV prevention studies examined sexual practices that increase HIV exposure (e.g., condomless sex, transactional sex), HIV testing, and HIV recent infections and prevalence. HIV care-related outcomes among people with HIV included clinical outcomes (e.g., viral load), antiretroviral therapy adherence and access, HIV care engagement and retention, and mental and physical wellbeing. Pathways from EWE to HIV prevention and care included: structural impacts (e.g., health infrastructure damage); resource insecurities (e.g., food insecurity-related ART adherence barriers); migration and displacement (e.g., reduced access to HIV services); and intrapersonal and interpersonal impacts (e.g., mental health challenges, reduced social support).

Summary
Studies recommended multilevel strategies for HIV care in the context of EWE, including at the structural-level (e.g. food security programs), health institution-level (e.g., long-lasting ART), community-level (e.g. collective water management), and individual-level (e.g., coping skills). Climate-informed HIV prevention research is needed. Integration of EWE emergency and disaster preparedness and HIV services offers new opportunities for optimizing HIV prevention and care.
Extending Amyloidosis Diagnosis
Authors: Arslan Dilsat Fırat , Inal Ekin , Isik Emine Göknur , Sanli Yasemin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We present a case with systemic amyloidosis secondary to immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis), which 18F-FDG PET/CT and 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy revealed amyloid deposition in the peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery. AL amyloidosis is characterized by the proliferation of clonal plasma cells and increased production and extracellular accumulation of immunoglobulin light chains, leading to organ malfunction. Even though AL amyloidosis can affect the gastrointestinal system, peritoneal involvement is rarely observed. PET/CT and SPECT/CT images showed moderate to slightly increased tracer uptake in affected organs.
Long Terms Results of Temporal Facelift: 6 Years of Experience in 250 Cases
Authors: Şirinoglu Hakan , Ergün Tatar Burak , Güvercin Emre 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Temporal facelift (TFL) is an innovative technique for lifting the upper and mid-face. It is characterized by a unique dissection plane above the subgaleal fascia, which seamlessly transitions into the sub-superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer in the mid-face. This approach enables comprehensive mid-face elevation, robust canthopexy, and a significant brow lift in various vectors.

Objectives:
The authors present their experience with 250 TFL procedures over a period of 6 years.

Patients and Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 250 of 441 patients who underwent TFL surgery. The surgical procedures, conducted under general anesthesia by a senior surgeon following the TFL method, involved a vertical-vector deep-plane mid-face lift, canthopexy, and brow-lift triad. Close monitoring of complications and detailed photographic documentation of the outcomes were performed. Postoperative care included taping the operation area to reduce swelling, with subsequent follow-up examinations and interventions such as lymphatic massage and botulinum toxin injections for asymmetric brow movements or steroid injections for excessive mid-face swelling.

Results:
Among 250 patients (248 female, 2 male; mean age, 37 y), unilateral neuropraxia of the frontal branch of the facial nerve occurred in 5.6% and resolved spontaneously within 2.8 months. Persistent dimples (2.8%) resolved by the fifth postoperative month. Six patients (2.4%) underwent revision surgery with no observed complications like hematoma, necrosis, infection, or seroma.

Conclusions:
The TFL technique represents a significant advancement in upper and mid-face lifting procedures and offers several advantages over the traditional methods.
Post-discharge telephone follow-up calls to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by primary care nurses: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Molina-Vázquez Iris , Rodríguez-León María Ángeles , Montes-Alamilla Desiré , Suárez-Sánchez Juan José , Albornos-Muñóz Laura 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex health problem, with important repercussions for patients and their families. Interventions need to be improved to prevent exacerbations and reduce high readmission and mortality rates. Evidence suggests that including a telephone follow-up (TFU) call in discharge plans could improve outcomes in patients with a chronic disease.

Objectives:
This project aimed to improve how primary care nurses in Gran Canaria, Spain, followed up COPD patients after hospital discharge.

Methods:
This project was guided by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which includes the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and the Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) method. The JBI approach uses audit, feedback, and re-audit to promote evidence-based health care.

Results:
A baseline audit was conducted to compare current practices against best practices. Five barriers to best practices were identified and improvement strategies were developed. The follow-up audit revealed 100% compliance for Criteria 1 and 2, which related to COPD patients having a discharge plan and that plan including TFU. There was a 4.88% improvement for both Criteria 3 and 4, which involved the TFU being prompt and using a validated clinical questionnaire. Following project implementation, the 30-day readmission rate increased from 2.78% to 4.88% but the 30-day emergency room presentation rate decreased from 25% to 9.76%.

Conclusions:
The practice changes were partly achieved, but further strategies are needed to achieve full compliance. Educational programs are necessary when conducting improvement projects. Chances of success increase when decisions about hospital discharge involve both the hospital and the primary care service.

Spanish abstract:

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A296
RecN and RecA orchestrate an ordered DNA supercompaction response following
ciprofloxacin exposure inEscherichia coli
Authors: Vikedal Krister , Ræder Synnøve Brandt , Riisnæs Ida Mathilde , Bjørås Magnar , Booth James , Skarstad Kirsten , Helgesen Emily 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Fluoroquinolones induce double-strand breaks in bacterial DNA, triggering
the SOS response, a major DNA damage response that ensures the expression of
repair proteins but also promotes the emergence and spread of antibiotic
resistance. Fluoroquinolone resistance, particularly inEscherichia
coli, is a growing global health concern. Understanding
bacterial responses to these antibiotics is critical for developing preventive
strategies and novel treatments to combat resistance development. This study
investigates DNA morphology inE. colifollowing
exposure to ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. We show that
ciprofloxacin induces a stepwise DNA reorganization, culminating in a highly
dense nucleoid structure at midcell — a process we term DNA supercompaction.
Live cell imaging revealed that RecN, a structural maintenance of chromosomes
(SMC)-like protein, is required for DNA supercompaction, and that RecN’s
dynamics and activity in this response depend on RecA. Additionally, RecN and
RecA frequently colocalized at nucleoid-associated positions. We suggest that
RecN and RecA play active roles in DNA supercompaction following severe DNA
damage, that their interplay is part of a prompt universal survival response to
DNA double-strand breaks inE. coli,and that the
extent of the compaction response depends on the number of double-strand
breaks.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Motivations underlying co-use of benzodiazepines and opioids in the UK: a qualitative study
Authors: Vojt G , Family HE , Poulter H , Bailey C , Cavallo D , Abdala Sheikh AP , Karimi S , Booth N , Da Silva P , Aitken L , Stewart S , Hickman M , Henderson G , Scott J , Kesten J 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundDrug-related deaths have substantially increased over the past decade in the UK, particularly in Scotland. Co-using opioids and benzodiazepines (prescribed and/or illicit) is a risk factor contributing to rising mortality. This study identified motivations in people’s co-use with the aim of informing prescribing and harm reduction interventions to address drug-related deaths.MethodsWe interviewed 48 people who co-use opioids and benzodiazepines and/or z-drugs (zopiclone and zolpidem) in Glasgow (n=28), Teesside (n=10) and Bristol (n=10). Most participants self-identified as male (n=37, 77%), white (n=45, 94%) and had a mean age of 43 years (range: 25-61 years). The majority reported at least one overdose experience, and poor mental health including trauma. Interviews were semi-structured, conducted by an academic and/or peer researcher, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants’ motivations for co-using drugs mapped onto two interlinked meta-themes: (1) Functional motivations included co-using to augment drug effects, self-medicate or help to generate income. (2) Experiential motivations described participants’ desires to achieve (a) ‘buzz’ (feeling energised), (b) ‘glow’ (feeling comforted) (c) ‘oblivion’ (escaping trauma and adversity), and (d) feeling ‘gouchy’ (physical and mental sensations of ebbing in and out of glow and oblivion). Those typically seeking a glow or buzz wished to minimise the risks of co-use. Participants aiming to achieve oblivion or feeling ‘gouchy’ felt ambivalent about the risk of overdose.ConclusionsThe importance of assessing motivations to co-use should be recognised and routinised as part of harm reduction, (co-)prescribing and medication assisted treatments to reduce mortality risk.
The comprehensive detection of hemoglobinopathy variants via long-read sequencing
Authors: Xiang Jiale , Peng Jiguang , Sun Xiangzhong , Jiang Chen , Zhao Huiru , Guo Yaya , Xu Haiyan , Gu Shanshan , Ye Haodong , You Long , Huang Xiaoyan , Chen Shiping , Zhu Baosheng , Peng Zhiyu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe genetic complexity of hemoglobin genes, characterized by high GC content and homologous sequences, poses significant challenges for detecting hemoglobin variants in clinical settings.METHODSA long-read indexed PCR method utilizing the novel CycloneSEQ nanopore sequencing platform was developed to detect all variant types, including single nucleotide variants (SNVs), deletions, structural variants (SVs) inHBA, HBB, HBD, andHBGgenes. The method was validated using 507 clinical samples to assess its performance.RESULTSThe long-read indexed PCR system employed 13 primers targeting the hemoglobin gene clusters. This design enabled the detection of 37 types ofHBAdeletions, 5 SV (3 multicopies (αααα, αααanti3.7, αααanti4.2) and 2 fusion allele (HKαα andanti-HKαα)), 37HBBdeletions, and all SNVs in the targeted regions. Validation across 507 samples (84 withHBAvariants, 60 withHBBvariants, 256 with bothHBAandHBBvariants, and 107 with no known variants) demonstrated 100.0% sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, the long-read sequencing enabled phasing of variants within hemoglobin genes, providing insights critical for clinical interpretation.CONCLUSIONSThe long-read indexed PCR method, combined with the CycloneSEQ nanopore sequencing platform, proved to be a robust and efficient solution for detecting hemoglobinopathy variants. The integration of indexed primers and barcoding enhances scalability, making this method ideal for large-scale population screening programs in the future.
Separable cognitive and motor decline tracked across adult life-span for goal-directed navigation
Authors: Lancia Gian Luca , D’Alessandro Marco , Eluchans Mattia , Ibáñez-Berganza Miguel , Spiers Hugo J. , Pezzulo Giovanni 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSpatial navigation is a fundamental cognitive skill, yet our understanding of the strategies people employ in real-world navigation remains incomplete. This study investigates navigation strategies using data from the large-scale Sea Hero Quest (SHQ) game, in which participants face navigational problems consisting in controlling a boat to reach a series of goal locations, within maps having different shapes. By using a combination of behavioral and computational modeling approaches, we report three key findings: First, participants predominantly use goal-directed strategies compared to visibility-based strategies. Second, participants show signatures of sequential planning, both during memorization – as they spend more time looking at difficult levels – and during navigation – as they show primacy effects, suggesting that they remember better the first navigational goal. Third, our results show a significant age-related decline in navigation performance, which depends both on reduced motor skill – as indexed by poorer control of the boat – and decreased cognitive strategy – as indexed by a loss of goal-directedness during spatial navigation. Unexpectedly, the loss of goal-directedness with age is not associated with a shift to visibility-based strategy or to an incorrect sequencing of goals. Taken together, our findings offer a nuanced understanding of spatial navigation strategies in naturalistic conditions and their decline with age. Our computational approach permits distinguishing motoric and cognitive variables, showing that both decline with age. These results align with and extent previous research on spatial memory decline with age, including potential links to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The computational models developed in this study provide a robust framework for analyzing navigation strategies, applicable to other virtual environments and video games.
GJB3, a gap junction gene, supports cell growth by mediating cystine uptake and regulating cellular stress pathways in SLC7A11 low adenocarcinomas
Authors: Acharya Disha , Chatterjee Annesha , Bhandari Nikita , Roy Payel , Agrawal Monishka , Chaube Bal Krishna , Shukla Sudhanshu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractGap junctions are specialized intercellular connections that directly connect the cytoplasm of two cells via protein structure called connexins. Despite extensive research on many cell surface proteins, Gap junction proteins are understudied in cancer. In this study, we used TCGA data to identify genetic and epigenetic changes associated with Gap junction proteins. The analysis identified GJB3 as a key gene with differential methylation and expression patterns, with notable overexpression in COAD and LUAD, correlating significantly with patient survival outcomes. GJB3 knockdown studies revealed reduced cell proliferation and migration. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that GJB3 knockdown induced a cellular stress response, characterized by activation of starvation and autophagy pathways. Western blot analysis confirmed these findings, showing increased phosphorylation of eIF2α and activation of the GCN2-eIF2α-ATF4 signaling axis subsequent autophagy induction. We also found that sustained autophagy induced apoptosis mediated cell death. Metabolic profiling revealed a significant decrease in cystine levels in GJB3-deficient cells. We demonstrated that GJB3 plays a crucial role in cystine uptake, especially in cells with low SLC7A11 expression. Furthermore, we showed that GJB3 can be targeted using specific antibodies, establishing it as a potential therapeutic strategy for GJB3-dependent cancers. These findings highlight the significance of GJB3 in cancer progression and its potential as a therapeutic target, offering new insights into its epigenetic regulation and functional role in cellular stress and survival mechanisms.
Comparative genomics ofRickettsiellabacteria reveal variable metabolic traits involved in symbiotic interactions with arthropods
Authors: Floriano Anna M. , El-Filali Adil , Amoros Julien , Buysse Marie , Jourdan-Pineau Hélène , Sprong Hein , Kohl Robert , Dirks Ron P. , Schaap Peter , Koehorst Jasper , Nijsse Bart , Bouchon Didier , Daubin Vincent , Vavre Fabrice , Duron Olivier 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMembers of theRickettsiellagenus (Legionellales) are emerging as widespread bacteria associated with insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. While someRickettsiellastrains are highly virulent entomopathogens, others are maternally inherited endosymbionts that manipulate arthropod phenotypes, including the induction of defensive symbiosis and cytoplasmic incompatibility. However, the genomic diversity ofRickettsiellaremains largely unexplored, and their genetic potential to induce complex phenotypes in arthropods is only partially understood. In this study, we sequenced five novel Rickettsiella genomes isolated from three tick species. Through comparative genomics, we observed thatRickettsiellamembers share similar metabolic capabilities, and collectively lack virulence genes from pathogenicLegionellales. Additional analysis ofRickettsiellagenomes revealed significant variability in metabolic properties related to endosymbiosis. Specifically, their capacity to biosynthesize certain B vitamins and heme varies, suggesting a functional role of someRickettsiellastrains in the nutrition of their arthropod hosts. SomeRickettsiellagenomes harbour homologs ofWolbachia cifgenes, encoding for the effectors of cytoplasmic incompatibility, suggesting thatRickettsiellamay use a similar molecular mechanism similar to manipulate the reproduction of their arthropod hosts. Phylogenomics further revealed that tick-borneRickettsiellaexhibit distinct evolutionary origins within the genus, indicating thatRickettsiellahave undergone repeated horizontal transfers between ticks and other arthropods.