bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of gonococcal and chlamydial infections among men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mofolorunsho Kehinde Charles , Dorsamy Vinogrin , Bagwandeen Chauntelle , Abbai Nathlee Samantha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI) including Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) and Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). The lack of robust data on STIs among African MSM has limited the development of evidence-based screening strategies. This study aimed at documenting the pooled prevalence of Ng/Ct among MSM in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods
This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Relevant articles from the following databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). Eligible studies reported on the prevalence of Ng/Ct among the MSM population in SSA. Publication bias was assessed using the Hoy tool, Doi plot, and LFK ratio. Due to heterogeneity among studies, subgroup analyses were performed using the MetaXL add-on tool for Microsoft Excel.

Results
Of 525 articles screened, 20 were selected for inclusion. Six were cross-sectional, four had a prospective cohort study design, and one was an epidemiological study. The pooled prevalence of Ng/Ct in MSM was 27% (95% CI, 19–39%), with an I2 of 98% signifying heterogeneity among the studies. Subgroup analysis by country revealed South Africa had the highest prevalence (38%).

Discussion
Interpretation
The high prevalence of Ng/Ct infection among MSM in SSA is of concern.
Limitations
Due to limited data available on Ng/Ct prevalence, the true prevalence of SSA and its associated risk factors is uncertain.

Conclusion
As the first study to systematically review the available literature on STI prevalence among the MSM population in SSA, it showed the burden of Ng/Ct is higher than in other regions, warranting the strengthening of health systems to improve education, testing, and treatment in MSM population.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42022327095.
Living in the vicinity of pesticide-treated crop fields: Exploring associated perceptions and psychological aspects in relation to self-reported and registry-based health symptoms
Authors: Gerbecks J , Baliatsas C , Yzermans CJ , Simoes M , Huss A , Verheij RA , Dückers MLA 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Exposure to pesticides in the living environment can be associated with the prevalence of health symptoms. This study investigates associations between health symptoms among residents in areas with fruit crop fields where pesticides are applied, and psychological perceptions and attitudes about environmental aspects and exposures.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey combined with routine primary care electronic health records (EHR) data was conducted in 2017 in rural areas of the Netherlands with high concentration of fruit crops (n = 3,321, aged ≥ 16 years). Individual exposure to pesticides was estimated using geocoded data on fruit crops around the home. Validated instruments were used to assess symptom report and psychological perceptions and attitudes. Annual prevalence of various health symptoms was derived from EHRs. Multilevel regression models were used to analyze associations between health symptoms (outcome), fruit crops, and multiple psychological perceptions and attitudes (confounders).

Results
Living in the vicinity of fruit crop fields was generally not associated with self-reported symptom duration and general practitioner (GP) registered symptoms. For self-reported symptoms, symptom prevalence decreased when crop density within 250 m and 500 m from the home increased. No associations were found at other distances. Furthermore, higher levels of environmental worries, perceived exposure, and perceived sensitivity to pesticides and attribution of symptoms to environmental exposures were generally associated with a higher number of self-reported symptoms, and longer symptom duration. Symptoms reported to GPs were not associated with psychological perceptions and attitudes, except for perceived sensitivity to pesticides.

Conclusion
Psychological perceptions and attitudes appear to be related to self-reported symptoms, but not to GP-registered symptoms, independent of the actual levels of exposure as measured by the size of the area of crop fields. Perceptions about environmental factors should be taken into account in environmental health risk assessment research when studying health symptoms.
Advanced single-cell and spatial analysis with high-multiplex characterization of circulating tumor cells and tumor tissue in prostate cancer: Unveiling resistance mechanisms with the CoDuCo in situ assay
Authors: Bonstingl Lilli , Zinnegger Margret , Sallinger Katja , Pankratz Karin , Müller Christin-Therese , Pritz Elisabeth , Odar Corinna , Skofler Christina , Ulz Christine , Oberauner-Wappis Lisa , Borrás-Cherrier Anatol , Somođi Višnja , Heitzer Ellen , Kroneis Thomas , Bauernhofer Thomas , El-Heliebi Amin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Metastatic prostate cancer is a highly heterogeneous and dynamic disease and practicable tools for patient stratification and resistance monitoring are urgently needed. Liquid biopsy analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA are promising, however, comprehensive testing is essential due to diverse mechanisms of resistance. Previously, we demonstrated the utility of mRNA-based in situ padlock probe hybridization for characterizing CTCs.

Methods
We have developed a novel combinatorial dual-color (CoDuCo) assay for in situ mRNA detection, with enhanced multiplexing capacity, enabling the simultaneous analysis of up to 15 distinct markers. This approach was applied to CTCs, corresponding tumor tissue, cancer cell lines, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells for single-cell and spatial gene expression analysis. Using supervised machine learning, we trained a random forest classifier to identify CTCs. Image analysis and visualization of results was performed using open-source Python libraries, CellProfiler, and TissUUmaps.

Results
Our study presents data from multiple prostate cancer patients, demonstrating the CoDuCo assay’s ability to visualize diverse resistance mechanisms, such as neuroendocrine differentiation markers (SYP, CHGA, NCAM1) and AR-V7 expression. In addition, druggable targets and predictive markers (PSMA, DLL3, SLFN11) were detected in CTCs and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. The machine learning-based CTC classification achieved high performance, with a recall of 0.76 and a specificity of 0.99.

Conclusions
The combination of high multiplex capacity and microscopy-based single-cell analysis is a unique and powerful feature of the CoDuCo in situ assay. This synergy enables the simultaneous identification and characterization of CTCs with epithelial, epithelial-mesenchymal, and neuroendocrine phenotypes, the detection of CTC clusters, the visualization of CTC heterogeneity, as well as the spatial investigation of tumor tissue. This assay holds significant potential as a tool for monitoring dynamic molecular changes associated with drug response and resistance in prostate cancer.
Isolation and characterization of halophilic Bacillus thuringiensis from local Egyptian sites and their potential against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Noran E. M. , Amin M. K. , Abdelsalam A. , Elashtokhy M. M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) serves as a peculiar soil microbe that is Gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming, and aerobic facultative. It endures across a range of conditions and has been demonstrated to be an effective biological pest control agent against several insect pests. The main objective of the study is to isolate and recognize Bt bacteria from saline environments in Egyptian soil for biological surveillance uses.

Results
Isolates three, four, five, ten, eleven, twelve, and thirteen were found to be moderately tolerant, while isolate eight showed highly tolerant, but isolate six was found to be borderline extreme halophile. On the other hand, the other isolates showed extreme halophiles. To find out the presence of crystals, a scanning electron microscope was carried out and the result showed that the crystals ranged from spherical to bi-pyramidal spherical. Molecular analysis was carried out using universal primers to confirm the presence of cry genes. The results showed that 84.6% of the isolates contain cry seven and eight, whereas cry one and four are distributed by 92.3%. Cry two genes were found to be 100 percent in all tested and isolated cultures. Cry genes were present and distribution among isolated was detected using gene-specific primers. cry3Ba1 and cry8B showed the lowest and equal distribution among the isolates, while the cry2Ab2gene frequency distribution was (84.6%) among isolated cultures. Around six cry genes were found to be absent in all isolated cultures. The bioinsecticidal activity and bioassays were carried out to check the potential effect of halophilic Bt isolates against 1st instar larvae of the Fall Armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Mortality was calculated after infecting S. frugiperda with thirteen Bt isolates. The most virulent Bt isolate was isolate 7, followed by isolate 10, with LC50 values of 9.542 × 107 spores/ml and 1.289 × 108 spores/ml, respectively, after 72 h. Morphological traits of the larvae were carried out, to check the effect of Bt isolates as a biological control against the FAW.

Conclusion
To protect and enhance the sustainability of field crops and vegetables, especially in new high salinity lands, from disease-causing insects such as FAW, it is necessary to identify new strains of Bt from these saline lands. In this field, local isolates of Bt from several regions in Egypt known for their high levels of salinity were documented and showed an effective bioinsecticide on FAW larvae.
Assessment of liver x receptor messenger RNA beta and microRNA-146a in a group of Egyptian patients with Behçet’s disease
Authors: Ahmed Yara A. , Shaker Olfat G. , Fehr Amal , Wahb Amany M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background and objectives
Behçet’s disease (BD) is an ongoing systemic vasculitis with mouth and genital ulceration and eye, skin, and systemic affection. It has considerable morbidity and mortality, and a high incidence and a higher male-to-female affection characterize Egypt. We aimed to evaluate liver x receptor messenger RNA beta (LXR β) and microRNA-146a (miR-146a) gene expression in Behçet’s disease cases in Egypt to relate them with clinicopathological features.

Subject and method
Eighty Egyptian individuals were split into two groups for the current study: Forty Behçet’s disease cases and forty healthy controls matched by age and gender from the Rheumatology Department at Helwan University Hospital, Egypt. The transformed score, also known as the Behçet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF), was utilized to measure disease activity. To assess the amounts of LXR β and miR-146a serum expression via real-time PCR, a blood sample was obtained.

Results
There was a downregulation of both LXR β and miR-146a levels that significantly differed between the BD group and the control group (p = 0.0001 and 0.0001, respectively). There is a noteworthy inverse relationship between the expression level of LXR β and BDCAF Patients Index (r = − 0.79 and p = 0.0001) was found. Regarding miR-146a, it had a reverse correlation with BDCAF Patients Index (r = − 0.89 and p = 0.0001).

Conclusion
LXR β and miR-146a were found to be significant non-invasive predictor biomarkers for Behçet’s disease and can indicate disease activity.
Revisiting tuberculosis diagnosis: the prospect of urine lipoarabinomannan assay as a diagnostic tool in people living with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Adedokun Ayodele Isaac , Bala Gaius , Elehamer Nafisa M. K. , Yohanna Raphael , Oyelabi Boluwatife Deborah , Gana Samuel Eniola 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Tuberculosis, since its discovery has become a global health burden, continuously spreading across the nations of the earth with increased mortality. Its effect on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) progression and immune cell deterioration cannot be overlooked. The widespread use of traditional and molecular TB diagnostic methods has been hindered by several factors. Nonetheless, the development of a rapid, sensitive, timely, non-invasive diagnostic protocol could revolutionise the diagnostic era and halt the spread of this infectious agent. It could also help in the early diagnosis of the infection in poorly developed areas. The detection efficacy of urine lipoarabinomannan assay as a prospect in tuberculosis diagnosis in HIV-positive patients was assessed in this study. Urine samples were collected into a wide-mouthed universal container from HIV-positive patients with signs and symptom of tuberculosis and HIV advanced disease. Alere determine urine lateral flow—LAM test was used for the detection of LAM antigen in urine samples of HIV-positive patients. The CD4 count of the HIV-positive patients was also documented.

Results
A total of 85 HIV-positive subjects were included in the analysis based on the inclusion criteria. Urinary LAM was reactive in 29 (34.1%) of 85 HIV-positive patients and non-reactive in 56 (69.1%). The majority of the participants had a CD4+ count < 200 cells/µL 60 (70.6%), while others had CD4+ count ≥ to 200 cells/µL 25 (29.4%). There was no statistically significant difference between CD4 count and LAM positivity. Most of the affected age groups in the study were 31–45 years, and females had preponderance in comparison to male subjects.

Conclusions
The use of urinary LAM in HIV-positive patients is a helpful tool for TB screening. It also has a promising ability for early TB diagnosis in the study group and other TB-associated disease conditions in resource-deprived settings. For the general populace, further research is required to certify its sensitivity and specificity.
Gastric Glomus Tumor Resected by Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection
Authors: Bronze Sérgio , Botto Inês , Ruivo Leonor , Oliveira Tiago , Moura Miguel , Ribeiro Luís Carrilho , Correia Luís 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Gastric glomus tumor (GGT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm, that is usually asymptomatic. Although benign, malignant transformation has been reported. A 59-year-old man presented with dyspepsia refractory to treatment with proton-pump inhibitor over 6 months. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a 30 mm subepithelial lesion in the distal gastric antrum, in contact with the pylorus, but biopsies were nonspecific. Upper endoscopic ultrasound revealed a well-defined submucosal echogenic lesion measuring 30 × 20 mm, without muscularis propria involvement. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy showed GGT features. En bloc endoscopic resection was performed using the submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection technique. The histopathological study of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of a GGT with free margins. The patient remains symptom-free after a 9-month follow-up. We highlight the rare diagnosis of GGT and the possibility of curative en bloc endoscopic resection with submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection.
Coexistence of Intestinal Spirochetosis and Colorectal Cancer: Could the Coil be Carcinogenic?
Authors: Zuercher Hannah , Daneshmand Arvin , Stolow Eugene , Giansiracusa Matthew , Allan Robert , Sapounas Antonios 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Intestinal spirochetosis (IS) is an infectious gastrointestinal disease caused by Brachyspira bacteria. We detail an exceedingly rare case of IS with concomitant invasive colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) in a 58-year-old man presenting with abdominal discomfort and fever. Colonoscopic evaluation revealed abnormal-appearing, nodular cecal mucosa and a 35 mm rectosigmoid mass. Histopathology confirmed IS infection and CRC. Our case report is the first to detail IS diagnosed concurrently with colorectal cancer. It highlights the necessity of a high index of suspicion for IS in patients presenting with abdominal discomfort and endoscopic evidence of irregular nodular mucosa, particularly in the setting of suspected CRC. It further details potential pathophysiologic links between IS and colorectal malignancy.
Orofacial Granulomatosis and Crohn's Disease: A Case Series
Authors: Urquhart Siri A. , Kim Grace Y. , Anderson Katelyn R. , Chedid Victor G. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a rare syndrome that can occur in association with Crohn's disease (CD). The electronic medical record was searched for “OFG” and “CD.” A total of 297 patients were identified, and relevant data were abstracted. Five patients met inclusion criteria. Most (80%) had ileocolonic CD with nonstricturing/nonpenetrating phenotype. The most common treatments included intralesional corticosteroids (4 patients), oral corticosteroids (3 patients), and anti-TNF agents, specifically infliximab (3 patients). Intralesional corticosteroid administration was followed by partial response in 3 patients, but recurrences were common following initial injection. One patient had no response to topical or oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, or oral antibiotics, but partial response to intralesional corticosteroids and infliximab. None of the patients had complete response to any therapies directed at this condition. OFG may be characterized by partial response, often requiring long-term therapy. Additional investigations into novel treatments may improve future clinical outcomes.
Sustainable Tourism Development in Vietnam in the Current Period
Authors: Anh Le Hoang , Hien Tran Thi , Sang Nguyen Quang 
Published: November 2024

Sustainable tourism development is currently an inevitable and effective direction for the tourism industry of Vietnam in particular and countries around the world in general. Vietnam has great potential for sustainable tourism development, from geographical location to natural and cultural resources. However, we also encounter many difficulties when developing sustainable tourism. This study points out the theoretical basis for sustainable tourism development; analyzes the current status of tourism development in Vietnam from 2015 to 2023; evaluates sustainable tourism development in Vietnam based on three aspects: Economy-Society-Environment; and examines the opportunities and challenges for sustainable tourism development in Vietnam. From that, several solutions will be proposed to develop sustainable tourism in Vietnam, making the tourism sector a key industry contributing to the ongoing development of Vietnam’s economy and society.
Cultural Underpinnings of Ageism: Exploring the Intersection of Georgian Identity and Aging Stereotypes
Authors: Kitiashvili Anastasia 
Published: November 2024

This study explores the relationship between Georgian cultural identity and ageist attitudes and stereotypes towards the elderly. It investigates whether a strong identification with traditional Georgian values correlates with ageist perceptions among the younger population in Georgia. Conducted with 300 young respondents, the research revealed that those who strongly identify with traditional Georgian culture exhibited less overt ageism. This aligns with the cultural norms that emphasize respect for elders. However, these individuals may still harbor implicit biases influenced by broader societal trends that prioritize youth and productivity. Older adults were often perceived as warm and kind, but they were also stereotyped as physically and cognitively limited, fitting into the "pity" category of the Stereotype Content Model (Fiske, Cuddy, & Glick, 2002). These findings provided valuable insights into the cultural dynamics of aging in Georgia and have implications for public policy and social interventions aimed at mitigating ageism.
The Instructional Leadership Role of Superintendents in Instructionally Effective School Districts
Authors: Bjork Lars G. 
Published: November 2024

Throughout the past four decades (1983-2024), the rise of a global economy and the changing nature of American society underscored the importance of educating all children. Successive waves of education reform in the United States of America (USA) launched a wide array of initiatives focused on improving student learning. These state and federal policy initiatives were accompanied by an historic shift in role expectations of school district superintendents. An examination of trend data reported in three successive nation-wide reports released by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) for the years 2000, 2010 and 2020 (Glass, Björk & Brunner, 2000; Kowalski, et al., 2011; Tienken, 2021) suggest that role expectations for district superintendents moved from away from an emphasis on management to a focus on instructional leadership. In addition, findings on superintendent instructional leadership practices in Instructionally Effective School Districts (IESD) reported by Bjork (1993, 2010, 2024) and Bjork & Browne-Ferrigno (2014) note that they effectively used their managerial position to support district-wide instructional improvement. They found that superintendents serving in IESD school districts used enacted their management responsibilities in areas that would indirectly influence the quality of learning and teaching including: (1) Staff selection and recruitment; (2) Principal supervision and evaluation; (3) Establishing clear instructional and curricular goals; (4) Monitoring learning and curricular improvement activities and, (5) Financial planning for instruction. These findings suggest that IESD superintendents’ use their management prerogatives to enact their instructional leadership role and reframe school district leadership for deeper learning in next generation schools.
The Physiological Repercussions of Thermo-Oxidized Sesame Oil
Authors: Pratap Ravi , Yasir Mohammad , Dubey Ramesh Chandra , Shukla Alok Kumar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Cooking oil is an important source of essential nutrients for human health. Prolonged heating of vegetable oil can lead to the emergence of health conditions. This study examined the physicochemical characteristics of sesame seed oil after heating at 180°C for 4 or 8 hours. We assessed the acid value, iodine value, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, refractive index, and saponification value; conducted gas chromatography; and performed preclinical testing on Wistar rats. The acid value, specific gravity, refractive index, p-anisidine value, saponification value, peroxide value, and iodine value in the present investigation have been calculated to fall within the following range: 0.42–2.11 milligrams of potassium hydroxide (KOH) per gram (mg KOH/g oil), 0.92–0.8912, 1.473–1.4746, 0.67–15.32 p-Anisidine Value (AnV), 188–197.25 milligrams of potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) per gram of fat or oil (mg KOH/g oil), 3.56–12.56 milliequivalents (meq) of active oxygen per kilogram of oil (meq/kg), and 108–81 grams of iodine per 100 grams of oil (gm/100g oil). Gas chromatography detected alterations in the quantities of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, as well as the production of trans fats, which have negative effects on health. Animal studies indicated changes in lipid profiles, liver profiles, and amounts of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS]) in tissue homogenates. The findings indicate that consuming thermo-oxidized oil can have detrimental effects. These findings highlight the need for a thorough comprehension of thermo-oxidized oil utilisation to adequately tackle public health issues.