bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C Treatment and Behavioral Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men With HIV: Comparing Interferon and Direct-Acting Antiviral Eras
Authors: Hage Kris , Boyd Anders , van Santen Daniela K. , Brinkman Kees , Arends Joop , Lauw Fanny , Rijnders Bart , van Eeden Arne , van der Valk Marc , Newsum Astrid , Matser Amy , Schinkel Janke , Prins Maria 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Little is known about the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment on sexual risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV by treatment type (interferon [IFN]-based vs direct-acting antiviral [DAA]-based).

Setting:
MSM with HIV and recently acquired HCV infection enrolled in the MSM Observational Study of Acute Infection with hepatitis C (MOSAIC) cohort.

Methods:
Using data from 2009 to 2018, we evaluated risk behavior through a validated HCV risk score (where ≥2 indicated high risk) and its individual risk behaviors. Levels of risk behavior before, during, and after treatment were modeled for each treatment episode using linear and logistic regression with Generalized Estimating Equations adjusting for DAA availability and number of reinfections.

Results:
One hundred forty MSM with a median age of 45 years (interquartile range = 40–49) yielded 180 treatment episodes (n = 131 IFN-based, n = 49 DAA-based). Adjusted mean risk score before, during, and after treatment was 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1 to 2.6), 0.9 (95% CI = 0.8 to 1.0), and 1.7 (95% CI = 1.5 to 1.8), respectively. Before treatment, no differences in mean HCV risk score or proportion of specific behaviors were found between the regimen groups. During treatment, MSM treated with DAAs had a higher average risk score and proportion of receptive condomless anal sex, sharing toys and unprotected fisting than those treated with IFN. After treatment, the proportion sharing straws were significantly higher in MSM treated with DAAs than in MSM treated with IFN.

Conclusions:
MSM treated with DAAs, compared with MSM treated with IFN, had higher levels of HCV-related risk behavior during treatment. The higher risk of HCV reinfection in the DAA-era underscores the need for ongoing HCV testing and behavioral interventions against HCV.
Accuracy of Alternative PHQ-9 Scoring Algorithms to Screen for Depression in People Living With HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bernard Charlotte , Font Hélène , Zotova Natalia , Wools-Kaloustian Kara , Goodrich Suzanne , Kwobah Edith Kamaru , Awoh Ajeh Rogers , Nko'o Mbongo'o Guy Calvin , Nsonde Dominique Mahambu , Gandou Paul , Minga Albert , Tine Judicaël Malick , Ndiaye Ibrahima , Dabis François , Seydi Moussa , de Rekeneire Nathalie , Yotebieng Marcel , Jaquet Antoine ,   on behalf of the IeDEA Cohort Collaboration
Published: October 2024

Background:
Screening for depression remains a priority for people living with HIV (PLWH) accessing care. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a widely used depression screening tool, but has limited accuracy when applied across various cultural contexts. We aimed to evaluate the performance of alternative PHQ-9 scoring algorithms in sub-Saharan African PLWH.

Setting:
Five HIV programs in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal, and the Republic of Congo.

Methods:
Adult PLWH were screened for depression during the 2018–2022 period. Diagnosis confirmation was done by psychiatrist blinded clinical evaluation (gold standard). Diagnostic performances, including sensitivity and area under the curve (AUC) of the traditional PHQ-9 scoring (positive screening − score ≥ 10), were compared to alternative scoring algorithms including (1) the presence of ≥1 mood symptom (PHQ-9 items 1 and 2) combined with ≥2 other symptoms listed in the PHQ-9, and (2) a simplified recoding of each 4-response item into 2 categories (absence/presence).

Results:
A total of 735 participants were included [54% women, median age 42 years (interquartile range 34–50)]. Depression was diagnosed by a psychiatrist in 95 (13%) participants. Alternative scoring sensitivities (0.59–0.74) were higher than that of the traditional score's (0.39). Compared to traditional scoring, AUC was significantly higher for PHQ-9 alternative scoring. Across settings, alternative scoring algorithms increased sensitivity and reduced variability.

Conclusions:
As a primary screening test, new scoring algorithms seemed to improve the PHQ-9 sensitivity in identifying depression and reducing heterogeneity across settings. This alternative might be considered to identify PLWH in need of referral for further diagnostic evaluations.
Antiviral combination treatment strategies for SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Sepulcri Chiara , Bartalucci Claudia , Mikulska Malgorzata 
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review
The purpose of this review is to report the available evidence regarding the use of combination regimens of antivirals and/or antibody-based therapy in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompromised patients.

Recent findings
Literature search identified 24 articles, excluding single case reports, which included mainly patients with hematological malignancies and/or B-cell depletion. Data were divided based on the timing and reason for administration of combination treatment, that is, early treatment to prevent progression to severe COVID-19 and treatment of prolonged or relapsed infection. We described the treated populations, treatment duration and composition of combination treatment. We briefly addressed new treatment options and we proposed an algorithm for the management of COVID-19 infection in patients affected by hematological malignancies.

Summary
Combination treatment seems an effective (73–100%) and well tolerated (<5% reported bradycardia, hepatotoxicity, neutropenia) strategy for treating prolonged/relapsed SARS-CoV-2 infections in the immunocompromised host, although its optimal composition and duration cannot be defined based on the currently available evidence. The role of combination treatment as an early treatment strategy for immunocompromised patients at a high risk of progression to severe disease/persistent shedding requires further evidence from comparison with monotherapy, even though high efficacy was reported for combinations of antivirals plus mAbs in case of previous viral variants.
Efficacy of Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectomy Combined With Choledochoscopic Lithotomy for Complex Intrahepatic Bile Duct Stones and Its Impact on Postoperative Liver Function
Authors: Chen Zengyin , Du Juan 
Published: October 2024

Background:
This study was designed to investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy combined with choledochoscopic lithotomy for patients with complex intrahepatic bile duct stones.

Materials and Methods:
The clinical data of 97 patients with complex intrahepatic bile duct stones treated in our hospital between February 2019 and April 2022 were retrospectively collected. Patients were allocated into 2 groups based on their surgical approaches. In the control group, 46 patients underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy, while in the combined group, 51 patients underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy combined with choledochoscopic lithotomy. Parameters such as clinical efficacy, surgical indices, stress response markers (CRP, EP, COR), coagulation metrics (FIB, APTT, PT), liver function indicators (GGT, TBIL, ALT), complications, and quality of life were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:
The combined group exhibited a significantly higher total effective rate compared with the control group (98.04% vs. 82.61%) (P<0.05). The operation duration of the combined group was longer than that of the control group. However, the duration for postoperative anal exhaustion, postoperative bed mobility, postoperative drainage, and hospital stay was shorter in the combined group than in the control group (P<0.05). CRP, EP, and COR concentrations were substantially elevated in both groups on the third postoperative day (P<0.05), but were lower in the combined group. Similarly, levels of FIB, APTT, and PT were markedly increased in both groups on the third postoperative day (P<0.05), but were lower in the combined group. On the seventh postoperative day, GGT, TBIL, and ALT were notably decreased in both groups, with the combined group exhibiting lower levels (P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the combined group was lower than that of the control group (5.88% vs. 19.57%) (P<0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, all GIQLI scores were markedly elevated in both groups, with superior scores observed in the combined group (P<0.05).

Conclusion:
The combined laparoscopy and choledochoscopy demonstrate a remarkable efficacy for complex intrahepatic bile duct stones, which significantly facilitate liver function recuperation, reduce stress reactions, reduce complications, enhance the quality of life, and exert a minimal impact on coagulation functions.
Initial Validation of AUGS-PERFORM: Construct Validity and Test-Retest Reliability
Authors: Gómez-Viso Alejandro , Díaz Nicole , Truong Tracy , Erkanli Alaatin , Siddiqui Nazema 
Published: October 2024

Importance
The American Urogynecologic Society’s Prolapse pERFORmance Measure (AUGS-PERFORM) patient-reported outcome measure contains 11 items designed to assess symptoms relevant for assessing the quality of treatment for pelvic organ prolapse.

Objective
The aim of the study was to test AUGS-PERFORM’s construct validity and test-retest reliability.

Study Design
For this prospective validation study, we recruited English-speaking adult participants, at a single academic institution, seeking care for pelvic organ prolapse. Participants completed AUGS-PERFORM, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, and several Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short forms at baseline. We compared the 11 AUGS-PERFORM items against items testing the same concepts on other questionnaires using percent agreement, kappa statistics, and linear regression to determine construct validity. Two weeks later and before any pelvic organ prolapse therapy, participants completed AUGS-PERFORM a second time. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results
We enrolled 148 participants between 27 and 86 years of age: 81% self-identified as White, 56% were sexually active, and 84% elected surgery for treatment. The AUGS-PERFORM items assessing bulge presence and bother had a high percent agreement with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory item #3 (83.5 and 70%, respectively). The percent agreement ranged from 69% to 75% for items assessing urinary and defecatory symptoms and from 49% to 56% for pain-related questions. Sexual function items had a strong negative correlation (expected direction based on scoring) with validated sexual function questionnaires. The intraclass correlation coefficient was estimated to be 0.86, indicating excellent test-retest reliability.

Conclusions
The AUGS-PERFORM demonstrated good construct validity for prolapse, urinary incontinence, defecatory dysfunction, and sexual function questions, and moderate construct validity for pain-related questions. There was excellent test-retest reliability.
Hippo-vgll3signaling may contribute to sex differences in Atlantic salmon maturation age via contrasting adipose dynamics
Authors: Ahi Ehsan Pashay , Verta Jukka-Pekka , Kurko Johanna , Ruokolainen Annukka , Debes Paul Vincent , Primmer Craig R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSexual maturation in Atlantic salmon entails a transition in energy utilization, governed in part by genes and environmental stimuli in sex-specific manner. Salmon males require less energy, in the form of adiposity, to mature compared to females and typically mature younger. Maturation age is also influenced in a sex-dependent fashion by thevgll3genotype (vestigial-like 3), a co-factor in the Hippo pathway. The underlying molecular processes of sex-dependent maturation age, and how they interplay with adiposity andvgll3genotypes, have remained unknown. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying sex- and genotype-specific maturation differences, we investigated the association ofearly(E) andlate(L) maturationvgll3alleles and the transcriptional expression of > 330 genes involved in the regulation of the Hippo pathway and sexual maturation, and related to molecular signals in brain, adipose tissue, and gonads. The strongest effect ofvgll3genotype was observed in adipose tissue for females and in brain for males, highlighting a sex-specific expression difference in the main association ofvgll3genotype. Genes related to ovarian development showed increased expression invgll3*EEcompared tovgll3*LLfemales. Additionally,vgll3*EEfemales compared tovgll3*EEmales exhibited reduced markers of pre-adipocyte differentiation and lipolysis yet enhanced expression of genes related to adipocyte maturation and lipid storage. Brain gene expression further showed sex-specific expression signals for genes related to hormones and lipids, as well as tight junction assembly. Overall, these sex-specific patterns point towards a greater lipid storage and slower energy utilization in females compared to males. These results suggest that Hippo-dependent mechanisms may be important mediators of sex differences in maturation age in salmon.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and ER Stress in CB1 Receptor Antagonist-Induced Apoptosis in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Mori Kazuaki , Togo Akinobu , Yamashita Kota , Umezawa Taishi , Ohta Keisuke , Asahi Toru , Nozaki Chihiro , Kataoka Kosuke 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) is the key modulator of neuronal viability. In particular, CB1R antagonists provide neuroprotective effects on neurotoxicity caused by e.g. neuronal injury. However, the underlying mechanisms and potential limitations of CB1R antagonism remain unclear. Here we investigated the impact of environmental conditions on CB1R antagonist effects. Unexpectedly, we have found that cell-permeable CB1R antagonists, rimonabant and AM251, induced significant cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells under serum-free conditions. Mitochondrial morphological analysis revealed mitochondrial swelling characterized by their network fragmentation and cristae reduction. Additionally, phosphoproteomics analysis showed an upregulation of phosphorylated EIF2AK3 (also known as PERK), leading to the activation of the eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway, indicative of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Rimonabant and AM251 treatment also triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis, evidenced by the detection of cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved PARP. These results suggest that cell-permeable CB1R antagonists promote apoptosis via mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress under serum-free conditions in SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings indicate that while CB1R antagonists may be neuroprotective in certain conditions, they may also pose a neurotoxic risk in environments characterized by cellular stress or nutrient deprivation.
NSD2 promotes cell durotaxis and drives the transition from PKD to tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma through integrin/FAK/AKT signaling
Authors: Feng Wenxin , Liu Ningyuan , Liu Changwei , Rao Hanyu , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Wei , Xu Yue , Aji Rebiguli , Wang Ziyi , Gao Wei-Qiang , Li Li 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the urinary system. NSD2 is an H3K36-specific di-methyltransferase which has been reported to participate in diverse biological processes and human tumors. However, its role in RCC remains unclear. Here, we found that NSD2 is highly expressed in RCC, which is associated with poor survival in RCC patients. NSD2 facilitates the transition fromMyc-induced polycystic kidney disease to tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma (TCRCC), which is a rare RCC subtype with distinctive clinicopathologic and genetic characterizations. The mice with kidney-specific overexpression of MYC and NSD2 (KMN) display severe cyst burden at only 6 weeks of age, and develop into TCRCC at 12 weeks of age. Mechanistically, NSD2 transcriptionally upregulates the expressions of integrins (Itga4andItga11), to further activate the FAK/AKT pathway. In addition, we found that NSD2 enhances the cell proliferation on the stiff matrix of PEGDA hydrogel. Moreover, inhibition of FAK signaling relieves the symptoms of KMN mice, and significantly rescues the enhanced cell proliferation caused by NSD2 overexpression in vitro. Together, our findings highlight an epigenetic mechanism by which NSD2 regulates TCRCC tumorigenesis through the integrin/FAK/AKT pathway. This study may also pave the way for the development of targeted, patient-tailored therapies for TCRCC patients withNSD2amplification or high expression.
Step Counts and Physical Activity Trends: A 3-Month Analysis of a Walking Challenge Among 30 Female Participants
Authors: Esan Olajumoke , Esan Taiwo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe Women Walking Challenge (WWC) aimed to increase physical activity among 30 female participants by implementing a structured three-month program from May 1 to July 31, 2024.This study examined daily step count data using wearable devices and fitness Applications to assess activity patterns, consistency, and goal achievement. The results showed an initial increase in step counts, peaking in June at 4,053,122 steps, followed by a decrease in July. Participants took an average of 13,200 steps per day on weekdays and 9,800 on weekends, demonstrating differences in activity levels. Top performers achieved the 10,000-step-per-day goal on more than 75% of days, while low-activity participants struggled to stay consistent. The clustering analysis divided participants into low, moderate, and high-activity groups, revealing distinct engagement patterns. Although the challenge successfully increased physical activity, maintaining long-term motivation remains difficult. These findings offer insights into how to design future health programs that incorporate strategies such as continuous feedback and tailored interventions to support sustained engagement and physical activity.
Medicaid Expansion and Survival Outcomes among Men with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Akinyemi Oluwasegun , Fasokun Mojisola , Hercules Eric , Ikugbayigbe Seun , Odusanya Eunice , Hackett Nadia , Eze Oluebubechukwu , Ainsworth Lerone , Hughes Kakra , Cornwell Edward , Coleman Pamela 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTIONProstate cancer stands as one of the most diagnosed malignancies among men worldwide. With the recent expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), millions more Americans now have health insurance coverage, potentially influencing healthcare access and subsequent outcomes for various illnesses, including prostate cancer. Yet, the direct correlation between Medicaid expansion and cancer-specific survival, particularly for early-stage prostate cancer, remains an area warranting comprehensive exploration.OBJECTIVEThis study aims to determine the impact of the implementation of Medicaid expansion on Survival outcomes among men with prostate cancer.METHODSWe utilized data from the SEER registry to determine the causal impact of the implementation of the ACA on outcomes among men with prostate cancer. The study covered the years 2003-2021, divided into pre-ACA (2003-2009) and post-ACA (2015-2021) periods, with a 1-year washout (2014-2015) since Medicaid expansion was implemented in 2014 in Kentucky. Using a Difference-in-Differences approach, we compared survival among men with prostate cancers from Kentucky to Georgia. We adjusted for patient demographics, income, metropolitan status, disease stage, and treatment modalities.RESULTSWe analyzed a cohort of 68,222 men with prostate cancer during the study period. Of these, 37,810 (55.4%) were diagnosed in the pre-ACA period, with 70.8% from Georgia and 29.2% from Kentucky. The remaining 30,412 (44.6%) were diagnosed in the post-ACA period, with 72.3% from Georgia and 27.7% from Kentucky. Medicaid expansion in Kentucky was associated with a 16.8% reduction in hazard of death (HD), indicating improved overall survival among low-income individuals. This trend was consistent across different racial/ethnic groups. Specifically, Non-Hispanic white men experienced a 16.2% reduction (DID = −0.162, 95% CI: − 0.315 to −0.008), Non-Hispanic Black men had a 17.9% reduction (DID = −0.179, 95% CI: −0.348 to −0.009), and Hispanic men saw a 15.9% reduction (DID = −0.159, 95% CI: −0.313 to − 0.005) in HD among low-income individuals.CONCLUSIONMedicaid Expansion was associated with a substantive improvement in overall survival among men with prostate cancers in Kentucky compared to non-expansion Georgia.
Urinary Sodium and Incident Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension among African American adults: The JHS
Authors: Sanuade Olutobi A. , Addo Daniel K , Smith Justin D. , Carroll Allison J. , Shimbo Daichi , Talegawkar Sameera , Tucker Katherine L. , Jacobs Joshua A. , Derington Catherine G. , Bress Adam P. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and disproportionately affects African American (AA) adults. Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) is highly prevalent in this population. Sodium intake is associated with blood pressure (BP) levels, yet the relationship between sodium and aTRH in AA adults remains unclear. This study examined the association between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and incident aTRH among AA adults with hypertension, using data from the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). The JHS included 5,306 self-identified AA adults from Jackson, Mississippi, with data collected from 2000 to 2013. This analysis included 452 participants with baseline hypertension and complete urinary excretion and medication data. Sodium excretion was categorized into quartiles based on their urinary excretion: Q1 (253 to 2530 mg/day), Q2 (2553 to 3657 mg/day), Q3 (3680 to 4692 mg/day), and Q4 (4715 to 9775 mg/day). aTRH was defined as uncontrolled BP while taking ≥3 antihypertensive medications. A semi-parametric proportional hazards model was used to determine the association between sodium excretion and aTRH, adjusting for confounders. Participants in the current analyses were 63 years old on average and 27.7% men. Over a median follow-up of 7.5 years, 123 participants (27.2%) developed aTRH. Participants in Q3 and Q4 of sodium excretion showed higher incidence of aTRH, though fully adjusted hazard ratios were not statistically significant [HRs (95% confidence intervals [CIs]): [Q2=0.71 (0.34, 1.46), Q3=1.02 (0.50, 2.06), Q4=0.95 (0.46, 2.00); P=0.166). There was no statistically significant association between urinary sodium and incident aTRH among AA adults with hypertension.