bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drug resistance and molecular transmission network analysis based on newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS individuals in Beijing, China: A retrospective study from 2015 to 2023
Authors: Li Li , Yuan Defu , Zhao Fei , Shen Yanhua , Cui Can , Liu Lifeng , Liu Yan , Moog Christiane , Sun Lijun , Wang Bei , Zhang Tong , Su Bin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Systematic surveillance of HIV genetic diversity, transmitted drug resistance (TDR) and transmission networks in newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Beijing has rarely been reported. This retrospective study aimed to analyze data of PLWHA from 2015 to 2023 in Beijing to develop precision interventions.
Methods
All newly diagnosed PLWHA were subjected to sequence splicing, quality control, information matching, and analysis for TDR and genetic transmission networks. The Stanford Drug Resistance Database was used to analyze drug resistance, and Hyphy and Cytoscape software were used to construct a genetic transmission network with a gene distance threshold of 0.02.
Results
A total of 3569 newly diagnosed PLWHA were included in this study. A total of 25 HIV-1 genotypes were identified, with CRF01_AE being the most common genotype, followed by the CRF07_BC and B genotypes. However, for the first time, the dominant strain shifted from CRF01_AE to CRF07_BC in 2020. A total of 340 drug-resistant sequences were obtained, and the total TDR was 9.53% from 2015 to 2023. The most common mutations were distributed among V179, V106, S68, M184 and M46, which exhibited diverse distributions and combined mutation features. A total of 76 transmission clusters were identified in the network, among which CRF07_BC was dominated by large, fast-spreading clusters, whereas CRF01_AE was dominated by small- and medium-sized slow-spreading clusters. The largest cluster for CRF07_BC expanded rapidly from 11 cases in 2015 to 496 cases in 2023.
Conclusions
This study revealed the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance and molecular transmission clusters in Beijing. The change in the dominant HIV strain in Beijing should be emphasized. Subtype CRF07_BC is prone to forming fast-spreading clusters, and targeted interventions should be designed to obstruct high-risk transmission sources and reduce new HIV infections.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Malaria and Hepatitis Infections: Insights from the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi, North Central, Nigeria.
Authors: Ademoyegun Julius Kayode , Aremu Stephen Olaide 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Malaria and hepatitis B and C are prevalent public health issues in Nigeria, significantly impacting health outcomes. The Federal Medical Center, Makurdi, serves as a key healthcare provider in the region, making it crucial to understand the prevalence and factors associated with these diseases within this setting. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of malaria and hepatitis B and C among patients at the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving the analysis of patient records and diagnostic data from the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi. Data on malaria and hepatitis B and C prevalence were collected from laboratory reports and patient interviews. Socioeconomic information, including income, education level, and healthcare access, was also gathered. Statistical analyses were performed to identify associations between disease prevalence and risk factors.
Results: The study identified a high prevalence of malaria and hepatitis B and C among the patient population. Socioeconomic factors such as lower income, inadequate education, and limited healthcare access were significantly associated with higher rates of these infections. Malaria prevalence was higher among individuals lacking access to insecticide-treated nets, while hepatitis infections were linked to inadequate blood transfusion safety and high-risk behaviors.
Discussion: The findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions. Enhanced access to preventive measures, such as insecticide-treated nets and safer blood transfusion practices, alongside educational programs on disease prevention, are essential. Addressing socioeconomic disparities is crucial for effective disease control.
Conclusion: To mitigate the burden of malaria and hepatitis B and C at the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi, a multifaceted approach is required. Improving preventive measures, healthcare access, and addressing socioeconomic determinants will be vital in reducing disease prevalence and improving patient outcomes.
CRP-Albumin-Lymphocyte index (CALLYI) as a risk-predicting biomarker in association with osteoarthritis.
Authors: Geng Maosen , Zhang Ke 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The exact relationship between the C-reactive protein-Albumin-Lymphocyte Index (CALLYI) and osteoarthritis remains unclear. This study explores the potential link between CALLYI and osteoarthritis in U.S. adults.
Method
The study cohort consisted of 18,624 U.S. adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2010. The CALLYI was calculated using the formula: albumin * lymphocytes / CRP * 10. For participants in this study, the CALLYI was quadrupled. We employed weighted multiple regression analysis and subgroup statistical analysis to investigate the association between CALLYI and osteoarthritis. Restricted cubic splines were utilized to assess the non-linear relationship between these two variables.
Results
The total sample size analyzed in this study was 18,624, of which 1,977 (10.62%) were diagnosed with osteoarthritis. CALLY is defined as Albumin (g/L) ⅹ Lymphocyte (109/L) ¸ (CRP (mg/L) ⅹ 10), and the mean value of CALLYI was 5.13 (2.12,12.86). The multivariate logistic regression model revealed a negative correlation between elevated CALLYI and osteoarthritis. The fully adjusted Model 3 demonstrated a significant 28% reduction in OA risk in the Q4 compared to the Q1 of CALLYI (OR = 0.72 95% CI: 0.59–0.88, p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses did not reveal any significant interactions (p > 0.05). Additionally, a significant non-linear relationship between CALLYI and OA using restricted cubic splines (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
The results indicate a negative correlation between CALLYI and osteoarthritis, suggesting that CALLYI may serve as a biomarker for predicting the risk of osteoarthritis in U.S. adults.
Factors associated with Severe malaria mortality among hospitalized children aged under five years in Eastern Province of Rwanda: A cross-sectional study using hospital records from 2017- 2021
Authors: HATEGEKIMANA Jean Paul , SIMBI Clarisse Marie Claudine , Ntakirutimana Theoneste , NYIRAZINYOYE Laetitia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Malaria remains a significant concern for children under-five in malaria-endemic regions. Rwanda’s successful efforts in malaria treatment reduced nationwide cases, but high mortality persists in the Eastern and Southern provinces. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of severe malaria and to identify the death risk factors among under-five children in Eastern province Hospitals.
Method
This cross-sectional study assessed severe malaria mortality and associated factors among children aged under-five years in hospitals of Eastern Province, Rwanda, from 2017 to 2021. Data were collected from hospital records, and descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data analysis.
Results
Malaria mortality was 3.37%, mostly occurring at night (53.06%) and within 24 hours of admission (66.67%). Factors associated with severe malaria mortality included illness duration ≥ 4 days without treatment (OR = 29.22 [95% CI: 14.13–60.44]), coma (OR = 8.73 [95% CI: 8.08–38.07]), having three or more severe symptoms (OR = 5.95 [95% CI: 3.26–10.84]), high-level parasitaemia (OR = 3.71 [95% CI: 1.16–11.89]), and multi-organ complications (OR = 3.66 [95% CI: 1.04–12.84]), respiratory distress (OR = 3.33 [95% CI: 1.85-6.00]), vomiting (OR = 2.79 [95% CI: 1.49–5.20]), severe anaemia (OR = 1.85 [95% CI: 1.02–3.36]), Four day and more with illness without consultation (aOR = 38.45 [95% CI: 9.91-149.19]) and Coma (aOR = 9.61 [95% CI: 1.2-77.21]) were had greater odds of death in multivariate analysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, targeted interventions are crucial to address - factors, improve healthcare-seeking behaviour, and ensure timely treatment for severe malaria in children under-five in Eastern Province, Rwanda.
Association of nighttime light and cognitive function among middle-aged and older Chinese adults：A 9-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Tang Ting , Zhang Meijin , Pan Xiaodong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Nighttime Lights (NTLs) data represent records of artificial light emissions from human activities, used to analyze socioeconomic development. However, studies have found that long-term exposure to nighttime light pollution may significantly impact cognitive function. Thus, we extensively reviewed published time-series NTLs datasets to investigate the risk of cognitive dysfunction in populations.
Methods
The study utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and NPP/VIIRS nighttime light (NTL) data. We employed latent class trajectory modeling to identify 9-year trajectories of NTL data and assessed participants' cognitive function initially and in 2020. Logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with different nighttime light trajectories. The potential mediating effect of sleep duration on the relationship between nighttime light and cognitive function was also explored.
Results
A dose–response relationship was observed between baseline nighttime lights and the risk of cognitive impairment. Restricted cubic spline regression demonstrated a non-linear (U-shaped) relationship between nighttime light exposure and cognitive impairment (p for non-linearity < 0.001). Sleep duration significantly mediated this relationship and accounted for 2.1% of the total effect variance. Two trajectories of nighttime lights were identified. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated a reduced risk of cognitive impairment in the low-intensity lighting group (OR: 0.73, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The risk of impaired cognition varied across different nighttime light trajectories, with the overall effect of nighttime lights on cognitive function mediated by sleep duration. These findings potentially establish a connection between environmental indicators and cognitive function in populations.
Enhanced Brain Myelination and Cognitive Development in Young Children Associated with Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) Intake: A Temporal Cohort Study
Authors: Deoni Sean CL , Beauchemin Jennifer , D’Sa Viren , Bonham Kevin , Klepac-Ceraj Vanja 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Myelination is a fundamental process of neurodevelopment that facilitates the efficient brain messaging and connectivity that underlies the emergence and refinement of cognitive skills and abilities. Healthy maturation of the myelinated white matter requires appropriate neural activity and coordinated delivery of key nutritional building blocks, including short and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, and sphingolipids. While many of these nutrients are amply supplied by breastmilk, they are often provided in only limited quantities in infant formula milk. Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a rich source of phospholipids, including sphingomyelin and has been associated with improved cognitive development in infants and children when added to infant formula. To determine if added bovine MFGM is also associated with improved myelination, this study used myelin-sensitive MRI to compare myelination trends in healthy infants and toddlers who received the same infant formula with and without added bovine MFGM in two temporal cohorts: Without Added MFGM between 2009 and 2016; and With Added MFGM between 2018–2020. We also used the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) to compare verbal, non-verbal, and overall cognitive abilities. Matched for important demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, we found that children who received infant formula with added MFGM showed improved myelination in motor-related areas (motor cortices, internal capsule, and cerebellum) and improved MSEL nonverbal and fine motor scores. No significant differences in verbal or overall cognitive ability scores were noted. These results support the importance of phospholipids, sphingolipids, and sphingomyelin in promoting brain myelination and cognitive development.
Assessing racial differences in time to subsequent treatment following androgen deprivation therapy among Veterans with prostate cancer
Authors: Friedrich Nadine , Friedrich Nadine , Janes Jessica , Parrish Joshua , De Hoedt Amanda , Pruett Janis , Fallick Mark , Gandhi Raj , Hong Agnes , Tatonetti Nicholas , Freedland Stephen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
For metastatic and certain advanced prostate cancer (PC), guidelines support intensified androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as first-line (1L) systemic treatment for improved outcomes. However, some patients receive ADT alone, leading to tumor progression requiring 2nd line therapy. Despite significant racial disparities in PC outcomes, there are no population-level studies assessing racial differences in time to subsequent treatment after 1L ADT.
Methods
We performed a retrospective population-level analysis to assess the association between race and time to subsequent treatment after ADT in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Primary outcome was time from ADT monotherapy to subsequent treatment, defined as receipt of androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI), non-steroidal first-generation anti-androgen (NSAA), chemotherapy, or other treatments. We used Cox models and Kaplan-Meier (KM) analyses to estimate subsequent treatment rates by Non-Hispanic White [NHW], Non-Hispanic Black [NHB], Hispanic and Other patients adjusted for baseline covariates.
Results
From 2001–2021, 141,495 PC patients received ADT alone. During median (IQR) follow-up of 51.1 (22.8, 97.2) months, 28,144 patients (20%) had subsequent treatment: 11,319 (40%) ARPIs, 12,990 (46%) NSAAs, 3,402 (12%) chemotherapy and 433 (2%) other 2nd line therapies. NHB had significantly lower subsequent treatment rates (HR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.80–0.85) compared to NHW. Both Hispanic (HR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.88–0.98) and Other men (HR = 0.91, 95%CI = 0.84–0.98), also had lower subsequent treatment rates.
Conclusions
All races examined had significantly lower rates of subsequent treatment after 1L ADT relative to NHW. Further investigation is needed to determine if these lower rates of subsequent treatment reflect lower rate of progression or undertreatment of progressing patients.
Households of Tuberculosis (TB) patients face high TB-related costs: Somalia Experience
Authors: Kuye Joseph , Sindani Ireneaus Sebit , Shube Muktar Abdi , alah Mohamed Jafa , Hilowle Abukar Ali , Rusagara Vianney , Ngima Faith , Abaasiku Michael , Balogun Stephen , Baena Ines Garcia , Afirima Barinaadaa , Hassan Abiodun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) services are seemingly free in Somalia, but patients still incur high costs to access TB diagnosis, treatment, and care. This study is the first for Somalia. It estimated the proportion of TB-affected households experiencing catastrophic costs among TB patients and their households in Somalia, including identifying the risk factors and major patient cost drivers and describing the coping strategies they adopt to cushion its effect.
Method
A prospective cluster-sampled cross-sectional survey, nationally representative with retrospective data collection, was conducted among patients in TB care (drug-susceptible TB [DS-TB] and drug-resistant TB [DR-TB]) within the Somalia national TB network. The design was guided by the World Health Organization’s Handbook on National TB Patient Cost surveys and collected data on patients’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, including a model of care, self-reported income and expenses, costs (out-of-pocket expenses and indirect) for one episode of TB, risk factors for incurring cost and dissaving mechanisms. All costs were collected and reported in USD.
Result
The percentage of TB-affected households facing costs > 20% of household income was 68% (95% CI: 64% – 71%) in Somalia in 2023 and 69% (95% CI: 65% – 73%) and 62% (95% CI: 52% – 71%) amongst patients on first and second-line drug treatment respectively. Monthly self-reported household income reduced by 43% from $176 before contracting TB to $101 at the time of the interview, with 75.4% (364) of households who suffered TB-related catastrophic costs reporting that they became poorer accessing TB services. To be able to access TB treatment and care services and cope with the economic burden of TB-related catastrophic costs, 42% (375) of TB patients and their households adopted one or more dissaving strategies in the form of loans or the sale of assets. The odds of facing TB-related catastrophic costs were highest among TB patients residing in the Southwest state.
Conclusion
This study found that almost three out of four patients in TB care and their households experience a substantive financial burden accessing TB services in Somalia, particularly during the continuation phase of their treatment, and mainly driven by the direct non-medical costs. A sustainable and equitable social protection program is required to reduce the proportion of households facing financial burdens due to TB in Somalia.
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Enhanced Working Memory in Older Adults with Age-Related Hearing Loss
Authors: Shin Junyoung , Noh Shinhee , Park Jimin , Jun Sang Beom , Sung Jee Eun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is associated with an increased risk of dementia, necessitating early cognitive interventions to prevent further cognitive decline. Despite promising evidence supporting transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for mitigating cognitive impairment, its impact on working memory (WM) in older adults with ARHL is unexplored. This study is the first attempt to investigate taVNS effects on WM in the older adults with hearing impairment (HI) and with typical hearing (TH). WM capacity was assessed using n-back tasks, varying by WM domains (verbal and visuo-spatial) and complexity levels (1-back and 2-back). Participants underwent a two-session, within-subjects, randomized crossover, single-blind sham-controlled protocol, receiving 20 minutes of continuous stimulation in the active session, whereas only 30 seconds at the start and end in the sham session. The HI group performed significantly worse than the TH group on the 2-back tasks. Within the HI group, taVNS significantly enhanced performance across all WM domains and complexity levels compared to the sham condition. These findings suggest that taVNS enhances WM in hearing-impaired older adults, underscoring its potential as a clinical intervention for addressing WM challenges associated with ARHL.
Redondovirius-associated Periodontitis in People with Poor Oral Hygiene
Authors: Mohebbi Alireza , Donyavi Zakiyeh , Mamizadeh Zoleikha , Khanaliha Khadijeh , Emtiazi Nikoo , Kiani Seyed Jalal , Donyavi Tahereh , Shadab Alireza , Babaei Roghayeh , Bokharaei-Salim Farah 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of recently emerged members of the Redondoviridae family (ReDoVs) in individuals with periodontitis and their association with underlying diseases.
Materials and Methods
This case-control study involved 230 participants, 115 with chronic periodontitis and 115 healthy controls from October 2023 to May 2024. Demographic, health-related, and behavioral data were collected. Gingival samples were analyzed for ReDoVs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
Results
ReDoVs were detected in 51.30% of the periodontitis case group and 21.74% of the control group (p < 0.0001). ReDoV presence was associated with older age, lack of teeth brushing habits, and smoking history (p < 0.05). Also, a higher occurrence of underlying diseases was observed among participants with periodontitis (24.35%) compared to controls (4.35%). An association was observed between ReDoVs and diabetes (OR = 9.18, 95% CI: 1.48 to 56.98, p = 0.02).
Conclusions
ReDoVs and periodontitis were associated with adults with poor dental hygiene and those with diabetes. This supports a possible multifactorial and complex interaction between the presence of ReDoVs, periodontitis, and diabetes. We further update the message of our previous study by highlighting that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of ReDoV presence.
Clinical Relevance:
ReDoVs were significantly higher in individuals with periodontitis, with a strong correlation between ReDoVs and periodontitis, especially in diabetic patients. This could lead to improved periodontal treatments focusing on bacterial factors and addressing viral contributions, potentially reducing the burden of periodontal disease and its associated complications.
Short-term and long-term oncological outcomes of chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer patients with or without oxaliplatin: a propensity score-matched retrospective analysis
Authors: Azimi Amirali , Tabatabaei Fatemeh Sadat , Kolahdouzan Kasra , Rashidian Hamideh , Nourbakhsh Forouzan , Parizi Maryam Abedini , Darzikolaee Nima Mousavi , Bayani Reyhaneh , Salarvand Samaneh , Sharifian Azadeh , Bagheri Farzaneh , Rezaei Saeed , Nabian Naeim , Nazari Reza , Mohammadi Negin , Babaei Mohammad , Lashkari Marzieh , Farhan Farshid , Aghili Mahdi , Couñago Felipe , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Ghalehtaki Reza 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background/Aim:
Current approaches for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) typically recommend neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) or its oral analogs followed by surgery as the standard of care. However, the question of whether intensifying concurrent chemotherapy by adding oxaliplatin to the 5FU-based backbone can yield better outcomes remains unresolved. This study aimed to investigate the benefits of incorporating oxaliplatin into fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) to increase locoregional control and survival.
Methods
Among 290 patients with LARC admitted to the Iran Cancer Institute's radiation oncology department between January 2008 and December 2019, 29 received CAPEOX (capecitabine 625 mg/m²/bid on RT days and weekly oxaliplatin 50 mg/m²), whereas 293 received capecitabine (825 mg/m² twice daily or rarely 5FU in the first 4 days and last week of radiotherapy (RT)). Variables potentially affecting treatment outcomes were used for propensity score matching. Kaplan‒Meier and log-rank tests were employed for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) analyses and were adjusted with propensity score matching.
Results
Data from 29 patients who received CAPEOX and 216 patients who received capecitabine were analyzed after propensity score matching without replacement. After propensity score matching, in the multivariate analysis, CAPEOX significantly increased the likelihood of achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR) by 4.38 times (CI: 1.90–10.08, p value < 0.001). However, CAPEOX did not demonstrate any statistically significant predictive value for DFS (P = 0.500) or OS (P = 0.449).
Conclusion
The addition of oxaliplatin resulted in a significantly higher rate of pCR without any translation into long-term survival outcomes.