bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of chemotherapy on skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS): Protocol paper for an observational mixed model repeated measures design in patients with breast and gynecological cancer
Authors: Hutchison Randolph , Smith Shannon , Caudell Chloe , Biddle Sara , Gluck W. Larry , Trilk Jennifer 
Published: November 2024

AbstractChemotherapy-associated cachexia results in significant metabolic disturbances and loss of skeletal muscle. These physiologic effects increase fatigue, reduce physical functioning, and decrease quality of life in patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of metabolic disturbances in the skeletal muscle, has previously been studied in health participants using invasive muscle biopsy and/or time consuming, high-cost magnetic resonance spectroscopy. However, less is understood regarding mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with cancer. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive and cost-effective approach to assessing mitochondrial function of skeletal muscle by measuring oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin and calculating the resulting tissue saturation index. NIRS has not yet been utilized to evaluate skeletal muscle change in cancer patients throughout chemotherapy. Therefore, we plan to conduct a single center clinical trial, using an observational mixed model repeated measures design to evaluate the change in mitochondrial oxidative capacity from baseline and throughout progression of an oncologist-prescribed chemotherapy regimen. Evaluation of mitochondrial function will be performed by taking real-time, NIRS in-situ measurements within the working muscle during stationary cycling exercise and subsequent recovery periods (e.g. “on” kinetics and “off” kinetics). We also plan to observe if there is a difference in mitochondrial oxidative capacity between different chemotherapy regimens across different patients. This pilot study will provide information on the feasibility of capturing on/off kinetics mitochondrial function data longitudinally using NIRS in patients newly diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer, provide preliminary data for future extramural funding, as well as inform the scientific community of results through dissemination via conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
Investigation of locomotive syndrome improvement by total hip arthroplasty in patients with hip osteoarthritis: a before-after comparative study focusing on 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale
Authors: Miyazaki Shigeaki , Tsuruta Kurumi , Yoshinaga Saori , Fujii Yoshinori , Hombu Amy , Funamoto Taro , Sakamoto Takero , Tajima Takuya , Nakamura Yoshihiro , Arakawa Hideki , Nakatake Jun , Chosa Etsuo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) is one of the tests used to assess the risk of locomotive syndrome (LS). It is a comprehensive tool to measure LS improvement after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and provides beneficial information for rehabilitation after THA. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of LS improvement three months after THA in patients who underwent THA for hip osteoarthritis (OA) by using the total clinical decision limits (CDL) 3-stage scale to identify specific trends in LS improvement based on the GLFS-25.MethodsThe participants of this study were 273 patients who underwent primary THA for hip OA. LS was evaluated using the stand-up test, two-step test, and GLFS-25 before receiving THA and three months after THA.ResultsThe total CDL was improved by THA in 132 patients (improvement rate: 48.4%). There were 15 questions out of 25 in the GLFS-25 showed improvements in more than 60% of the patients. The question Q13, “To what extent has it been difficult to walk briskly?” revealed the highest improvement rate, followed by Q12, “To what extent has it been difficult to go up and down stairs?”, and Q3, “Did you have any pain (including numbness) in your lower limbs?”.ConclusionsAt three months after THA, approximately half of the patients showed improvement in LS. Furthermore, improvement in locomotion movements was identified as the most significant area of progress among motor functions.
Bioinformatics and machine learning-based identification of cell cycle-related genes and molecular subtypes in endometrial cancer
Authors: Pan Jingying , Huang Shuhan , Fu Bidong , Zhang Ruiyu , Zhou Minqin , Yu Zichuan , Zeng Hong , Geng Xitong , Zhu Yanting , Zheng Hao , Wan Hao , Qu Xiaoyu , Tang Shengwei , Zhong Yanying 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEndometrial cancer is a common malignant tumor in women, with rising incidence rates and an unoptimistic prognosis. DSN1 is a kinetochore protein-coding gene that affects centromere assembly and progression in cell cycles, which is associated with adverse predictions for many cancers. However, the role of DSN1 in UCEC has not yet been reported. We identified the UCEC-related gene module and obtained the differential genes. Then we constructed a diagnostic model and identified the subtype of the molecule and its association with predictions. Subsequently, we identified DSN1 as the core gene and predicted its predictive value. Furthermore, using bioinformatics methods, we found DSN1 was associated with certain clinical characteristics and experimentally validated the expression in cancer tissues of DSN1. Pathway enrichment analysis identified DSN1 as a cell cycle-associated protein, which was validated by WB. The protein interaction network also revealed DSN1 was significantly associated with NDC80. Then we explored the correlation of DSN1 and immune cells and immune cell infiltration and found that DSN1 may affect Th2 enrichment by affecting CCL7 and CCL8. Drug susceptibility analysis showed DSN1 was sensitive to cisplatin and resistant to sunitinib. In conclusion, DSN1 was a novel biomarker that contributes to prognosis and treatment.
A comparison of core temperature at different sites during cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A prospective observational study
Authors: Kim Jung–Won , Kim Jin Ho , Oh Soojeong , Ahn So Woon 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundDuring cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, body temperature rapidly changes due to the hyperthermic agent. Depending on the method used, obtained values may vary, particularly during localized heating of the abdominal cavity. The primary aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of core temperature monitoring techniques, nasopharyngeal temperature, zero-heat flux cutaneous thermometer device, and esophageal temperature, during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with cytoreductive surgery.MethodsBody temperature was measured using a zero-heat flux cutaneous thermometer device on the forehead and esophageal and nasopharyngeal probes throughout the surgery. Temperature differences were then calculated for each pair of measurements. We conducted an agreement analysis between the nasopharyngeal temperature and reference core temperature measurements using the 95% Bland–Altman limits of agreement for repeated measurement data. The proportion of all differences that were within 0.5 °C and repeated measures Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient were estimated.ResultsThe mean overall difference between nasopharyngeal and forehead temperature was -0.04 ± 0.33 °C (95% limits of agreement: -0.69–0.62), and esophageal temperature was 0.02 ± 0.35°C (95% limits of agreement: -0.66–0.71). The proportion of differences within 0.5 °C of TSpotOn was 0.03 (95% CI 0.01–0.04) and that of esophageal temperature was -0.06 (95% CI -0.08 to -0.05). The Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient of both were 0.94 (95% CI 0.93–0.94). After the hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy period, the temperatures rapidly decreased, followed by a noticeable rebound increase, particularly nasopharyngeal and forehead temperatures. The maximum difference between esophageal temperature and other temperatures was 1.5 °C.ConclusionsOur results reveal a strong correlation between nasopharyngeal, zero-heat flux cutaneous, and esophageal temperatures during surgery. However, consistent temperature differences with the esophageal thermometer were not observed. Post-hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, rebound heating occurred at all sites, notably in the nasopharyngeal and zero-heat flux cutaneous areas.
Help-Seeking Behavior and Its Associated Factors Among 18– 24 years Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in Kenya: Insights from a Respondent-Driven Survey
Authors: Felix Humwa , Daniel Onguru , Peter Memiah , Amolo Asito S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue with significant mental health implications. Understanding the factors that influence help-seeking behavior among IPV survivors is crucial for developing effective interventions.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the demographic, educational, behavioral, mental health, and social network characteristics associated with help-seeking behavior among IPV survivors aged between 18-24 years.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional respondent-driven survey conducted within three cities of Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nairobi in Kenya among individuals aged 18-24 years. Data was analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with help-seeking behavior.ResultsData was analyzed from 351 (58% females) participants who were exposed to IPV. Residency, educational attainment, mental health status, social networks, and health status significantly impact the likelihood of seeking help (p < .05).ConclusionThe study highlights the complex interplay of various factors influencing help-seeking behavior among IPV survivors. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that address specific barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behavior, particularly in urban settings.
Adult patients with autoinflammation of unknown origin partially phenocopy the immune presentation of Still’s disease
Authors: Veiga Rafael , Vuyst Leana De , Neumann Julika , Bücken Leoni , Prezzemolo Teresa , Willemsen Mathijs , Vanderschueren Steven , Matthys Patrick ,   Immunome Project Consortium for Autoinflammatory Disorders (ImmunAID), Wouters Carine , Humblet-Baron Stephanie , Liston Adrian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAutoinflammation of unknown origin remains amongst the most enigmatic of systemic autoinflammatory disorders (SAIDs), immunological disorders characterized by inappropriate activation of the innate immune response. Recent clinical research has identified multiple distinct disorders, although overlap in clinical characteristics and genetic drivers impede rapid and precise diagnosis, and the immunological underpinning of disease is poorly understood. Here we aimed to understand the immunological process behind patients with autoinflammation of unknown origin. In a multi-center European trial, we collected samples from 36 treatment-naïve patients with active disease, and used deep immunophenotyping to compare to 58 healthy controls and an additional demographically-similar 93 SAID patients. Key immunological changes were upregulation of CD38 and HLA across T cell subsets of autoinflammation of unknown origin patients, a trait which partially phenocopied the Still’s disease in adult patients. Together this study identifies potential biomarkers and disease-mediators in autoinflammation of unknown origin.
Sex differences in the rates and association of cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in normative ageing
Authors: Deery Hamish A. , Moran Chris , Liang Emma X. , Gurvich Caroline , Egan Gary F. , Jamadar Sharna D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAlthough dysfunction in cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism is linked to neurodegeneration, it is currently unclear if there are sex and age differences in their rates and association. Seventeen younger males (mean age 27.5 years), 20 younger females (28.4), 22 older males (76.6) and 20 older females (75.3) completed a MR/PET scan and cognitive battery. Females had higher CBF and CMRGLCthan males, regardless of age. CBF was lower in ageing. As CMRGLCincreased, the positive effect of higher CBF on working memory, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed also increased. Individuals with the highest CBF had the highest CMRGLC. However, this association was moderated by sex and age, with significant negative associations across older females, possibly reflecting a compensatory response to a loss of blood flow and metabolism. We conclude that there are sex differences in the rates and association of cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in normative ageing and that high rates of blood flow and metabolism combine to support cognition.
Alterations in the plasma metabolome associated with maternal smoking during the first trimester
Authors: Masvosva Wadzanai , Voutilainen Taija , Lehtonen Marko , Haikonen Retu , Auriola Seppo , Keski-Nisula Leea , Rysä Jaana , Kärkkäinen Olli 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTobacco smoking during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes like low birth weight. This study determined changes in the circulating metabolome linked to maternal smoking in the first trimester and correlated these changes to the growth of the fetus. The circulating metabolome was examined from first trimester plasma samples by non-targeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry based metabolite profiling of 227 pregnant women (99 smokers and 117 non-smokers) from the Kuopio Birth Cohort Study. Tobacco smoking was self-reported through a questionnaire and verified with cotinine measurements from plasma samples. In summary, 64 significant differences were observed between the groups after correction for multiple testing e.g. in metabolites indicating endocrine disruption (e.g., dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S], VIP=2.70, d=0.68, p<0.0001), metabolites associated with oxidative stress (e.g., bilirubin, VIP=2.00, d=0.50, p<0.0001) and lipid metabolism (e.g., LysoPC 16:1, VIP=2.07, d=0.51, p<0.0001). Some of these metabolites, e.g., DHEA-S and bilirubin, correlated with low birth weight, and some, e.g. LysoPC 16:1, correlated with small head circumference at birth. In conclusion, maternal smoking during the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with an altered metabolite profile linked to endocrine disruption and increased oxidative stress.Plain language summaryTobacco smoking during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes like low birth weight. In this study, we measured changes in the circulating metabolome linked to maternal smoking in the first trimester and correlated these changes to the growth of the fetus. Maternal smoking during the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with an altered metabolite profile linked to endocrine disruption and increased oxidative stress. Furthermore, some these changes were associated with reduced growth of the fetus.
Self-reported health, neuropsychological tests and biomarkers in fully recovered COVID-19 patients vs patients with post-COVID cognitive symptoms: a pilot study
Authors: Lawrence Michael R. , Arnetz Judith E. , Counts Scott E. , Ahmed Aiesha , Arnetz Bengt B. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveSubstantial numbers of individuals who contract COVID-19 experience long-lasting cognitive symptoms such as brain fog. Yet research to date has not compared these patients with healthy controls with a history of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection, making it difficult to understand why certain COVID patients develop post-COVID cognitive symptoms while others do not. The objective of this pilot study was to compare two groups of laboratory-confirmed post-COVID patients, with and without cognitive symptoms, on measures of cognitive and psychological functioning, self-reported perceptions of functional status and quality of life, and biomarkers of stress, inflammation, and neuroplasticity.MethodsUsing a case-control design, 17 participants were recruited from a healthcare system in western Michigan, USA in 2022 through 2024. All participants were aged 25-65 and had a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test confirming previous COVID-19 infection. Ten participants reported cognitive symptoms (long COVID group) while seven were fully recovered with no residual symptoms (controls). All participants underwent an interview on their self-rated health and quality of life, a battery of neurocognitive tests, and blood draw for biomarker analysis.ResultsNo group differences were detected for neuropsychological test measures except for letter fluency where the long COVID group scored significantly lower (p<.05). The long COVID group had significantly lower ratings than controls on quality of life, physical health, emotional functioning, and psychological well-being. Serum levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), a biomarker of brain plasticity, were significantly lower in the long COVID group, which was significantly more likely than controls to have serum levels of inflammatory marker (interleukin (IL)-10) values greater than or equal to the median (p=0.015).ConclusionBiomarker analyses suggest possible prolonged inflammatory processes in long COVID patients compared to fully recovered patients. Results of decreased neuroplastic functioning give credence to patients’ reports of post-COVID changes in brain function.
Seasonal variation in SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the Netherlands, 2020-2022: statistical evidence for a negative association with temperature
Authors: Klinkenberg Don , Backer Jantien , Reusken Chantal , Wallinga Jacco 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn temperate regions, respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 are better transmitted in Winter than in Summer. Understanding how temperature and humidity affect SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility can enhance projections of COVID-19 incidence and improve estimation of the effectiveness of control measures. During the pandemic, transmissibility was tracked by the reproduction numberRt. This study aims to determine whether information about the daily temperature and absolute humidity improves predictions ofRtin the Netherlands from 2020 to 2022, and to quantify the relationship betweenRt, daily temperature and absolute humidity. We conducted a regression analysis, accounting for immunity from vaccination and previous infection, higher transmissibility of new variants, and changes in contact behaviour due to control measures. Results show a linear association between logRtand daily temperature, indicating a ratio ofRtin Winter versus Summer of 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2-1.8). Including absolute humidity in the model did not improve predictions. The possibility that this association arises from unrelated seasonal patterns was dismissed, as weather data from earlier years provided poorer fits, and incorporating mobility data did not affect results. This suggests a causal relationship between temperature and SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility, enhancing confidence in using this relationship for short-term predictions and other epidemiological analyses.
The piRNA pathway mediates transcriptional silencing of LTR retrotransposons in the soma and germline ofAedesmosquitoes
Authors: Taşköprü Ezgi , Bacchi Marianna , Overheul Gijs J. , Linthout Charlotte , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M. , Qu Jieqiong , Miesen Pascal , Halbach Rebecca , van Rij Ronald P 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway is crucial for maintaining genomic integrity by suppressing transposable elements in animal germlines. Despite its well-established function in the animal germline, piRNAs and PIWI proteins are expressed in somatic tissues across arthropod species, raising questions about piRNA functions outside the gonads. For example,Aedes albopictusmosquitoes express four PIWI genes,Piwi4,Piwi5,Piwi6andAgo3,in both germline and somatic tissues. We generatedPiwi6knockoutAe. albopictuscell lines and observed a substantial upregulation of Long Terminal Repeat (LTR)-retrotransposons, among which a full-length endogenous retrovirus that we namedAalERV1. We found that Piwi6 silencesAalERV1at the transcriptional level by guiding the deposition of the repressive H3K9me3 histone mark. Importantly, the control ofAalERV1is recapitulatedin vivoasPiwi6knockdown increasedAalERV1expression in both somatic and germline tissues ofAe. albopictusmosquitoes. These results establishAedesmosquitoes as a model to study nuclear PIWI functions and suggest that somatic piRNA-mediated transposon silencing is evolutionarily conserved across arthropod species.
An investigation of carbapenemase-encoding genes inBurkholderia cepaciaandAeromonas sobrianosocomial infections among Iraqi patients
Authors: Al-Ouqaili Mushtak T. S. , Hussein Rawaa A. , Kanaan Bushra A. , Al-Neda Ahmed T.S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBurkholderia cepaciaandAeromonas sobriaare difficult to eradicate due to their innate resistance to a variety of medications, and cause various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of carbapenemase genes and patterns of antibiotic resistance in isolates ofB. cepaciaandA. sobria.A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ramadi Teaching Hospitals in the Al-Anbar Governorate in 2024. Various study samples, were used to collect the studied bacteria. The antibiotic resistance was detected by the VITEK®2 System. The presence of carbapenemase genes was confirmed via PCR technique. In this investigation, seventy-five (75) isolates ofA. sobriaandB. cepaciawere assessed. Of these,A. sobriamade up 16.6% (n = 20) whileB. cepaciaaccounted for 45.8% (n = 55). The study isolates showed highest antimicrobial resistance to piperacillin, cefepime, ceftriaxone (100%), ceftazidime (97.3%), and lowest antimicrobial resistance to imipenem (36%). The result showed 55/57recAgene positive for differentiatedB. cepacia complexfrom other Burkholderia spp. The overall prevalence of carbapenemase genes was 92.8%% (52/56) withblaKPCaccounting for 80.8% (42/52) andblaGESfor 19.2% (10/52) of the total. The 42B. cepaciaisolates that tested positive for carbapenem resistance were constituted of 38blaKPC(n = 38) and twoblaGES(n = 2); in contrast, fourblaKPC(n = 4) and eightblaGES(n = 8) were present in theA. sobriaisolates that tested positive for carbapenems resistance. None of isolates studied tested positive for theblaIMPgene. The recent study concluded thatrecAgene identification was more sensitive and specific technique for detectionB. cepacia complexisolates. There was a notable predominance ofblaKPCandblaGEScarbapenemase producers among the isolates under investigation. TheblaIMPgene was not found in any of the research isolates.