bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does supervised administration based on routine soil-transmitted helminth surveillance reduce hookworm infection in villagers in Eastern China? A pragmatic trial
Authors: Hu Danbiao , Gu Minxia , Xu Wenjie , Wang Bin , Yu Yijiang , Wang Xiaoxiao , Yu Kegen , Ruan Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Despite significant progress has been made in China through decades to reduce the prevalence of hookworm, including deworming and surveillance, the burden of this disease is still heavy in mountainous regions. We conducted a community-based intervention trial in Ninghai, a mountainous coastal county in Southeastern China, to explore a more efficient method of tackling hookworm infection in economically developed but geographically isolated areas.
Methods: Six villages were selected for this trial. Considering of their historical prevalence and demographic similarity. three villages assigned to the intervention group and three to the control group. Control methods of intervention groups involved deworming medicine and health education, which was deliberately provided by well-trained healthcare staffs. In control sites, only health education was provided while parasitic survey, the result of parasitic survey was informed if the result was positive, but medicine needed to be purchased by the patient. Our primary metrics was hookworm prevalence in residents, determined by modified Kato-Katz method. The infection intensity was also presented by eggs per gram of faeces (EPG).
Results: The analysis included 1330 participants in control sites and 1270 participants in intervention sites. The relative reduction in hookworm prevalence was significant in the intervention sites (81.99%, 95% CI: 60.15-91.86) comparing to the control sites (51.84%, 3.34-76.01). The relative reduction in hookworm infection intensity was not significantly different between the intervention sites and control sites (64.83%, 95% CI：-237.18-96.33 vs. 77.23%, 95% CI:-94.33-97.33). However, the prevalence of light and moderate intensity group, the relative reduction in intervention groups were greater than that in control groups (light infection group: 83.34%, 95% CI:60.87-92.91 vs. 45.8%, 95%CI: -14.21-74.28; moderate infection group: 100% vs. 62.06%, 95%CI: -263.82-96.04).
Conclusions: Notable for its ease of implementation, cost-effectiveness, and high participant compliance, the program leverages the established rural STHs surveillance system in China to promptly administer medication among infected individuals. Its potential of replicating over the nationwide and referring as an attempt for global efforts underscores its significance in combatting hookworm infection efficiently and economically.
Reversal of endocrine resistance via N6AMT1-NEDD4L pathway-mediated p110α degradation
Authors: Cui Yukun , Ji Likeng , Chen Jiongyu , He Li-Fang , Zhang Fan , Deng Zihao , Lin Jiediao , Qi Zhaochang , Luo Xi , Giuliano Armando , Cui Xiaojiang , Lin Stanley Li 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Approximately 70% of breast cancer (BC) cases are luminal-type (estrogen receptor-positive, ER+), suitable for endocrine therapy with tamoxifen as the most commonly used drug. However, about 30% of these patients develop tamoxifen resistance due to various mechanisms, primarily involving PI3K pathway activation through mutations or unknown pathways. Here, we discover, via bioinformatics analysis and clinical samples, that N6 adenine–specific DNA methyltransferase 1 (N6AMT1) is highly expressed in luminal breast cancer but downregulated in tamoxifen-resistant (TamR) BC cells. ChIP-qPCR and luciferase reporter assays showed that FOXA1 binds to the N6AMT1 and enhances transcription. In TamR models, FOXA1 and N6AMT1 are downregulated, increasing p110α protein levels (but not mRNA), phospho-AKT levels, and tamoxifen resistance. In vivo, N6AMT1 overexpression enhanced tamoxifen sensitivity, while knockdown reduced it; this sensitivity could be restored with the p110α inhibitor A66. Clinically, decreased N6AMT1 expression correlates with poor prognosis in luminal BC patients. In TamR BC organoids, combining tamoxifen with A66 further reduced growth compared to either treatment alone. Mechanistically, increased p110α levels result from inhibited degradation by E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4L. These findings suggest N6AMT1 as a potential luminal breast cancer biomarker and highlight the FOXA1-N6AMT1-NEDDL4-p110α pathway as a therapeutic target to sensitize cells to tamoxifen.
Spatial and temporal distribution of ticks and associated pathogens collected from pet dogs in Spain throughout one year
Authors: Estrada-Peña Agustín , Burgio Federica , Fernández-Ruiz Natalia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Ticks feeding on pets represent a serious health risk because of the direct effects produced on hosts and as vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Human actions on the landscape, the presence/absence of wildlife, and the trend toward a less predictable and warmer climate are transforming the distribution of ticks on dogs. We investigated the faunal composition and the distribution of ticks in pet dogs across the biogeographical Spanish territory, including the Canary Islands.
Methods: Overall, 24 veterinary practices collaborated to randomly collect ticks from cats and dogs monthly (June 2021 to July 2022). Veterinary practices were selected according to the biogeographical regions of Spain, aiming not only for a spatial pattern, but for ecological preferences of the ticks. Ticks were morphologically identified, and the pathogens within individual ticks were identified by standard molecular methods. The owner’s postal code defined the area of residence.
Results: In total, 299 ticks belonging to 13 species, plus a few immature Hyalomma spp., were identified. Eleven specimens were damaged, preventing morphological identification. The dominant species were Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes hexagonus. While R. sanguineus s.l. is prevalent throughout Spain, the other species appeared only in the northern (colder and wetter) regions of Spain. Ehrlichia sp., Babesia sp. and two strains of Rickettsia massiliae were found in the ticks, plus the anecdotal presence of Anaplasma ovis. There was a lack of correlation between some animal traits, including age and sex, with parasitism. Dogs spending most of their time in a garden or in fields had a propensity to be more parasitized. The most abundant tick species were consistently linked to biogeographical areas (with corresponding climatic conditions) in the target territory.
Conclusions: This survey of randomly sampled pet dogs showed a year-round tick infestation risk. The survey supports the widespread distribution of R. sanguineus s.l. and its winter activity in most of the Spanish territory. Other common species of ticks in Europe (like Ixodes ricinus) are less common in Spain. Mixed species infestations were never observed. These results underpin the need for year-round tick control on dogs even during the winter months.
Characterization of Cannabis Usage in Individuals with Non-Cancer Chronic Pain in the State of Maine Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
Authors: Bordonaro Rachel , Bean Elizabeth N. , Cao Ling 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
One in 3 Mainers experiences chronic pain. Maine legalized medical and recreational cannabis usage in 2009 and 2016, respectively. To assess marijuana usage in Mainers with chronic pain, we obtained data from Maine’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual anonymous survey, from 2017 to 2020. Maine’s BRFSS began asking frequency of marijuana usage in 2017, followed by ways of use and reasons for use starting in 2020.
Methods
We identified individuals with chronic pain as those that reported having a rheumatoid condition diagnosis, and controls as those who reported no such conditions. To focus on non-cancer chronic pain, we excluded individuals that had previous cancer diagnoses. For each of the three separate marijuana questions, we eliminated those that answered “don’t know/unsure” or “refused” for the question of interest or their sex. This resulted in 11,360 individuals in the pain group vs. 19,798 individuals in the control group. Data were stratified by sex and analyzed in Microsoft Excel and SigmaPlot.
Results
We observed an increase of high users (21–30/last 30 days) and reduction of non-users for both sexes from 2017 to 2020, which was significant in controls (p < 0.05). The average age of marijuana users was lower regardless of sex or pain status compared to non-users (p < 0.05). Regardless of pain status, although smoking was the most used consumption method, more males tended to smoke marijuana while more females tended to eat it (p < 0.01). Individuals with pain, regardless of sex, were more likely to respond, “use it some other way” (p < 0.01). Respondents of both sexes with chronic pain and females, regardless of pain status, reported more medicinal usage (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Since the legalization of marijuana, Mainers have started to use it more frequently. High users are generally younger than non-users. Females and chronic pain sufferers are more likely to use marijuana for medicinal reasons, and in non-traditional ways. Further characterization is warranted as cannabis usage becomes more prevalent in individuals both with and without chronic pain.
Clinical Management and Treatment Outcomes of Prostatic Abscess in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Ngo Xuan Thai , Nguyen Hoai Phan , Ly Hoai Tam , Thai Minh Sam , Chau Quy Thuan , Hoang Khac Chuan , Thai Kinh Luan , Le Nhut Trung , Choi Se Young , Tiong Ho Yee , Nguyen Tuan Thanh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Prostatic abscess (PA) is an uncommon but serious urological emergency with a high mortality rate if not properly treated. It can lead to severe complications, including urosepsis and death. Diagnosing and treating PA remains challenging due to limited comparative studies on treatment modalities.
Objective
This study aims to characterize the clinical features and evaluate the treatment outcomes of prostatic abscesses treated at our center.
Methods
This retrospective study describes a case series of patients hospitalized with PA at our hospital from January 2017 to April 2020.
Results
Seventy-six cases of PA were confirmed using transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), MRI, or CT scan. The mean age was 51.58 years (range 24 to 85). The most common predisposing factors were diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infections, and immunodeficiency. Presenting symptoms included lower urinary tract symptoms (67%), fever and chills (47%), and perineal pain (32%). Digital rectal examination revealed a severely tender prostate with areas of fluctuation in two-thirds of cases. Single abscess cavities were found in 36.84% of cases, while 63.16% had multiple cavities. Bacteria were isolated from urine, pus, and blood in 31.34%, 58.2%, and 19.6% of cases, respectively, with E. coli and Burkholderia pseudomallei being predominant pathogens. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found in the pus of 4 out of 45 cases. Management included conservative treatment in 5 cases (6.58%) and surgical interventions in most cases: open cystostomy with abscess drainage (50%), TRUS-guided aspiration (15.79%), and transurethral resection deroofing (23.68%). Successful treatment was achieved in 93% of cases.
Conclusion
Prostatic abscess is a serious infection with high mortality. Early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and surgical intervention are crucial for successful treatment. Empirical antibiotic decisions should adhere to the guidelines of each medical facility.
Platelet Aggregation Test is Useful for Predicting Postprocedural Bleeding after Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection under Continuous Antiplatelet Agents
Authors: Hirata Shoichiro , Iwamuro Masaya , Takenaka Ryuta , Kawai Daisuke , Kagawa Daiki , Yamamoto Takashi , Ishida Masaya , Miyamoto Kazuya , Okamoto Yuki , Kumahara Kana , Takahara Masahiro , Hori Keisuke , Tsugeno Hirofumi , Fujiki Shigeatsu , Otsuka Motoyuki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the correlation between platelet aggregation levels measured using aggregometry and the incidence of postprocedural bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with gastric neoplasms receiving antiplatelet agents.
Methods:
Between April 2013 and March 2020, 69 patients (47 men, 22 women) underwent gastric ESD for 82 lesions while continuously receiving antiplatelet agents. Platelet aggregation levels were assessed before ESD by using an aggregometer-based grading-type score (G-type score), reflecting the status of platelet aggregation.
Results:
Patients were administered single antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin (n = 32), cilostazol (n = 14), or thienopyridine derivatives (n = 10), while other patients received multiple antiplatelet agents (n = 13). En-bloc resection was achieved in all cases, and R0 resection was accomplished in 81 lesions (98.8%). Post-ESD bleeding was observed in nine patients. When the G-type score equal to or lower than 0 was determined as an indicator of post-ESD bleeding, the sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 28%. Multivariate analysis revealed that the G-type score equal to or lower than 0 and tumor diameter ≥ 35 mm were significant risk factors for predicting bleeding following gastric ESD.
Conclusions:
The platelet aggregation test is a promising marker for predicting the bleeding risk after gastric ESD in patients receiving antiplatelet agents.
Uniform impact on individual megakaryocytes is essential for efficient in vitro platelet production
Authors: Strassel Catherine , Dasgupta Andrei K Garzon , Pongerard Anais , Mallo Lea , Michel Anita , Lanza Francois , Boiron Olivier , Knapp Yannick 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Different approaches are being developed to efficiently produce in vitro platelets from cultured megakaryocytes to meet the constant demand of platelet transfusion and serve for research purposes. Recent works have shown that turbulence and periodic stress can significantly enhance platelet yield. Here we have developed and characterized a platelet production device that takes in account these properties. This device is based on the Taylor-Couette reactor in which a suspension is confined and sheared between two concentric cylinders. We have demonstrated that such a system allows obtaining high number of in vitro platelets per megakaryocyte with native-like morphology and functional properties. Using the combination of in silico and in vitro techniques, we claimed that overall turbulent conditions are not sufficient for efficient platelet release, and highlighted the importance of the uniform impact of flow on each megakaryocyte, a property that must be taken into account along with general flow characteristics when designing platelet release bioreactors. In addition, we have demonstrated that our system can be scaled up to large volumes without loss of efficiency, a significant advantage for the industrialization of platelet culture. In conclusion, we have developed a platelet production device with a predictable and highly precise effect on each megakaryocyte.
Early prediction model of pyonephrosis caused by calculi based on imaging omics combined with clinical variables
Authors: Yan Yongchao , Liu Yunbo , Guo Yize , Li Bin , Li Yanjiang , Wang Xinning 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective:
This retrospective aims to develop a comprehensive predictive model based on CT radiomic features and clinical parameters, facilitating early preoperative diagnosis of pyonephrosis.
Methods:
Clinical and radiological data from 311 patients treated for upper urinary tract stones with obstructive pyelohydronephrosis, between January 2018 and May 2023, were retrospectively collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted on clinical data to identify independent risk factors for pyonephrosis. A clinical model was developed using logistic regression. The 3D Slicer software was employed to manually delineate the region of interest (ROI) in the preoperative CT images, corresponding to the area of pyelohydronephrosis, for feature extraction. The optimal radiomic features were selected to construct radiomic models and calculate the radiomic score (Radscore). Subsequently, a combined clinical-radiomic model—the nomogram—was established by integrating the Radscore with independent risk factors.
Results:
Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified cystatin C, Hounsfield Unit (HU) of Pyonephrosis, history of ipsilateral urological surgery, and positive urine culture as independent risk factors for pyonephrosis (P<0.05). Fourteen optimal radiomic features were selected from CT images to construct four radiomic models, with the Naive Bayes model demonstrating the best predictive performance in both training and validation sets. In the training set, the AUCs for the clinical model, radiomic model, and nomogram were 0.902, 0.939, and 0.991, respectively; in the validation set, they were 0.843, 0.874, and 0.959. Both calibration and decision curves showed good agreement between the predicted probabilities of the nomogram and the actual occurrences.
Conclusion:
The nomogram, constructed from CT radiomic features and clinical variables, provides an effective non-invasive predictive tool for pyonephrosis, surpassing both clinical and radiomic models.
High intensity in interspinous ligaments: a diagnostic sign of lumbar instability and back pain for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis
Authors: jiang Jiang , Chen min , Huang ding-an , Luo jun-jie , Han jian-bang , Hu min , Wang ying-feng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: To investigate the clinical significance of high intensity in interspinous ligaments at the affected segment in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS), as well as to determine the most effective diagnostic modalities for evaluating segmental instability.
Methods: This study reviewed a consecutive series of patients with L4/5 DLS between July 2023 and December 2023. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of high intensity signals in interspinous ligaments: the higher group ( Group H), and non-higher group (Group NH). Translational and angular motion was determined by using flexion and extension (FE) radiographs or an sitting lumbar lateral radiograph with a supine sagittal MR image (combined, S-MR). Five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5R-STS) were employed to evaluate patients objective functional impairment (OFI).
Results: Overall, 73 patients were enrolled in this study, and there were 22 (30.1%) patients in group H and 51(69.9%) patients in group NH, with an average age of 60.3 ± 8.1 years. The patients in Group H exhibited significantly longer 5R-STS times and serious OFI compared to those in Group NH. Compared to Group NH, Group H exhibited significantly higher SP in the sitting position (21.8% vs 16.7%; P < 0.001*), while no significant differences were observed in the upright, flexion, extension, and supine MRI positions (all P values > 0.05). In Group H,“instability” was recognized in 77.3 % of patients using S-MR versus 40.9 % patients using FE (P < 0.001); While in Group NH, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of“instability”between FE and s-MR (37.3% vs. 31.4%, P=0.53). Overall, a significantly higher incidence of instability was found in Group H compared to Group NH (77.3 % vs .37.3 %, P <0 .001*).
Conclusions.DLS with a high intensity within the interspinous ligaments is a distinct subgroup associated with segmental instability, the combination of 5R-STS and S-MR should be regarded as the most clinically relevant approach for assessing OFI and lumbar instability.
Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Function in Chronic Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors: A Within-Subject A-B-A Intervention Study
Authors: López Lidia Pérez , Coll-Andreu Margalida , Torras-Garcia Meritxell , Font-Farré Manel , Oviedo Guillermo R. , Ortis Lluis Capdevila , Guerra-Balic Myriam , Portell-Cortés Isabel , Costa-Miserachs David , Morris Timothy P. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Following acute and sub-acute rehabilitation from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), minimal to no efficacious interventions to treat ongoing cognitive deficits are available. Aerobic exercise is a non-invasive behavioral intervention with promise to treat cognitive deficits in TBI populations.
Methods
In this within-subject A-B-A study design, we incorporated 20-weeks of supervised aerobic exercise interventions delivered three times per week (Phase B) between participants typical rehabilitation schedules (Phases A). We further tested if participation in supervised aerobic exercise increased participants daily physical activity (PA) levels using waist-worn actigraphy.
Results
Five of six participants increased trail-making test part B by more than 10% pre-to-post phase B, with three of six making a clinically meaningful improvement (+ 1SD in normative scores). Linear mixed effects models showed a significant main effect of time at the group level with significant improvement in TMT-B pre-to-post exercise and no significant effect in other planned comparisons (pre-exercise to baseline nor follow-up to post-exercise) indicating that the addition of the intervention improved performance that was not due to practice effects. Statistically significant increases in daily moderate-to-vigorous PA were also seen during phase B compared to Phase A with three of six individuals making a significant behavior changes when analyzed at the individual level.
Conclusions
The addition of supervised aerobic exercise to typical rehabilitation strategies in chronic survivors of severe TBI can improve executive set shifting abilities and increase voluntary daily PA levels.
Trial Registration
ISRCTN17487462.
Peripheral CD4 (+) T Cell Immunity and Brain Microglial Activation Associated with Cognitive Heterogeneity in Aged Rats
Authors: Yu Lian , Liu Miao-Miao , Guan Mei-Qi , Wang Rui , Yang Xiao-Rong , Zhang Xiu-Min , Wei Jing-Jing , Wu Shu-Fen , Gu Hong , Fu Qiang , Guo Jun-Hong , Li Yan-Li 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Cognitive decline is a critical hallmark of brain aging. Although aging is a natural process, there is significant heterogeneity in cognition levels among individuals; however, the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. In our study, we classified aged male Sprague-Dawley rats into aged cognition-unimpaired (AU) group and aged cognition-impaired (AI) group, by using an attentional set-shifting task. The transcriptome sequencing results of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) demonstrated significant differences in microglial activation and inflammatory response pathways between the two groups. Specifically, compared to AU rats, AI rats exhibited a greater presence of CD86-positive microglia and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II)-positive microglia, along with elevated inflammatory molecules, in mPFC. Conversely, AI rats exhibited a reduction in the amount of microglia expressing CD200R and the anti-inflammatory molecules Arg-1 and TGF-β. Additionally, peripheral blood analysis of AI rats demonstrated elevated levels of Th17 and Th1 cells, along with proinflammatory molecules; however, decreased levels of Treg cells, along with anti-inflammatory molecules, were observed in AI rats. Our research suggested that peripheral Th17/Treg cells and central microglial activation were associated with cognitive heterogeneity in aged rats. This may provide a new target for healthy aging.