bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge of, and attitude towards, the treatment of hepatitis C in people who inject drugs
Authors: Roser Patrik , Brunstein Mona , Specka Michael , Timm Jörg , Kühnhold Stefan , Schifano Fabrizio , Bonnet Udo , Scherbaum Norbert 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) as a curative treatment of hepatitis C have been available for several years and have replaced interferon-containing therapies. However, treatment rates of people who inject drugs (PWID) are declining in Germany, putting the elimination of hepatitis C by 2030 at risk. This study aimed at elucidating the knowledge of, and attitude towards, hepatitis C treatment in a clinical sample of PWID.

Methods
Participants were recruited between February 2019 and October 2020 at two opioid agonist therapy (OAT) clinics and two in-patient drug detoxification wards. Based on the European Addiction Severity Index (Europ-ASI), a standardized interview focusing on: sociodemographic data, drug history, risky behavior, infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV, and previous experience with HCV treatment was carried out. In addition, participants filled in a questionnaire evaluating 13 statements relating to HCV treatment (right/wrong) and 15 statements on their personal ‘pros and cons’ views to start such a treatment assessed with the means of a 6-point Likert scale.

Results
A total of 153 patients (average age 45 years, male 78%; 106 (69.3%) currently in opioid maintenance treatment, 47 (30.7%) currently admitted to an inpatient detoxification) with an opioid use disorder were investigated. All of them reported having injected drugs at least once in their lives; 97 participants (63.3%) stated that they had been previously diagnosed with HCV infection. Among them, 27/97 patients (27.8%) reported a previous treatment with interferon; 27/97 (27.8%) with DAAs; and 32/97 (33.0%) reported a currently active hepatitis C. Most patients knew about the availability and efficacy of DAAs. However, DAAs’ low rate of side effects, their short treatment duration, and their replacement of interferon, were not correctly evaluated by up to 50.3% of patients. 25–40% of 32 patients with currently active hepatitis C prioritized handling of social and other medical issues, e.g., reduction of heroin use, over treatment of hepatitis C.

Conclusions
Although current levels of risky behavior have reportedly been reduced by active PWID over the past few years, educational and motivational interventions to increase hepatitis C treatment uptake should address the gaps in patients’ knowledge.
NERD-seq: a novel approach of Nanopore direct RNA sequencing that expands representation of non-coding RNAs
Authors: Saville Luke , Wu Li , Habtewold Jemaneh , Cheng Yubo , Gollen Babita , Mitchell Liam , Stuart-Edwards Matthew , Haight Travis , Mohajerani Majid , Zovoilis Athanasios 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNon-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are frequently documented RNA modification substrates. Nanopore Technologies enables the direct sequencing of RNAs and the detection of modified nucleobases. Ordinarily, direct RNA sequencing uses polyadenylation selection, studying primarily mRNA gene expression. Here, we present NERD-seq, which enables detection of multiple non-coding RNAs, excluded by the standard approach, alongside natively polyadenylated transcripts. Using neural tissues as a proof of principle, we show that NERD-seq expands representation of frequently modified non-coding RNAs, such as snoRNAs, snRNAs, scRNAs, srpRNAs, tRNAs, and rRFs. NERD-seq represents an RNA-seq approach to simultaneously study mRNA and ncRNA epitranscriptomes in brain tissues and beyond.
Variant Impact Predictor database (VIPdb), version 2: trends from three decades of genetic variant impact predictors
Authors: Lin Yu-Jen , Menon Arul S. , Hu Zhiqiang , Brenner Steven E. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Variant interpretation is essential for identifying patients’ disease-causing genetic variants amongst the millions detected in their genomes. Hundreds of Variant Impact Predictors (VIPs), also known as Variant Effect Predictors (VEPs), have been developed for this purpose, with a variety of methodologies and goals. To facilitate the exploration of available VIP options, we have created the Variant Impact Predictor database (VIPdb).

Results
The Variant Impact Predictor database (VIPdb) version 2 presents a collection of VIPs developed over the past three decades, summarizing their characteristics, ClinGen calibrated scores, CAGI assessment results, publication details, access information, and citation patterns. We previously summarized 217 VIPs and their features in VIPdb in 2019. Building upon this foundation, we identified and categorized an additional 190 VIPs, resulting in a total of 407 VIPs in VIPdb version 2. The majority of the VIPs have the capacity to predict the impacts of single nucleotide variants and nonsynonymous variants. More VIPs tailored to predict the impacts of insertions and deletions have been developed since the 2010s. In contrast, relatively few VIPs are dedicated to the prediction of splicing, structural, synonymous, and regulatory variants. The increasing rate of citations to VIPs reflects the ongoing growth in their use, and the evolving trends in citations reveal development in the field and individual methods.

Conclusions
VIPdb version 2 summarizes 407 VIPs and their features, potentially facilitating VIP exploration for various variant interpretation applications. VIPdb is available at https://genomeinterpretation.org/vipdb
NSAIDs, analgesics, antiplatelet drugs, and decline in renal function: a retrospective case-control study with SIDIAP database
Authors: Bonet-Monné Sara , Urgell Cristina Vedia , Sáez M. José Pérez , Puertolás Oriol Cunillera , Baena-Díez José Miguel , Pascual Julio , Lago Cristina Orive , Ruiz Jordi Rodriguez , Gonzalez Betlem Salvador , Pedrós Rosa Morros 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Introduction
We aim to explore the association between NSAIDs consumption, Symptomatic Slow Action Drugs for Osteoarthritis (SYSADOA), analgesics, and antiplatelet drugs, and decline in renal function by estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR).

Methods
We performed a case-control study using the SIDIAP database in Catalonia. We considered defined cases, patients with an eGFR value ≤ 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the period 2010–2015 with a previous eGFR value ≥ 60, and no eGFR ≥ 60 after this period. Controls had an eGFR ≥ 60 with no previous eGFR < 60. Five controls were selected for each case, matched by sex, age, index date, Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. We estimated Odds Ratios (OR, 95% Confidence Intervals) of decline in renal function for drugs group adjusting with logistic regression models, by consumption measured in DDD. There were n = 18,905 cases and n = 94,456 controls. The mean age was 77 years, 59% were women. The multivariate adjusted model showed a low risk for eGFR decline for NSAIDs (0.92;0.88–0.97), SYSADOA (0.87;0.83–0.91) and acetaminophen (0.84;0.79–0.89), and an high risk for metamizole (1.07;1.03–1.12), and antiplatelet drugs (1.07;1.03–1.11). The low risk in NSAIDs was limited to propionic acid derivatives (0.92;0.88–0.96), whereas an high risk was observed for high doses in both acetic acid derivatives (1.09;1.03–1.15) and Coxibs (1.19;1.08–1.30). Medium and high use of major opioids shows a high risk (1.15;1.03–1.29). Triflusal showed high risk at medium (1.23;1.02–1.48) and high use (1.68;1.40–2.01).

Conclusion
We observed a decline in renal function associated with metamizole and antiplatelet agent, especially triflusal, and with high use of acetic acid derivates, Coxibs, and major opioids. Further studies are necessary to confirm these results.
Helping mentors address scientific communication in STEM research training helps their mentees stay the course
Authors: Cameron C. , Lee H. Y. , Anderson C. B. , Dahlstrom E. K. , Chang S. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Scientific communication (SC) has important social-cognitive, behavioral, and career-related benefits for emerging researchers, but both mentors and mentees find development of SC skills challenging. Whether training mentors to effectively mentor development of SC skills could have a meaningful impact on mentees was not clear. The Scientific Communication Advances Research Excellence (SCOARE) project has conducted faculty training workshops in techniques for mentoring SC skills since 2018. To study indirect workshop effects of mentors’ attendance at the SCOARE workshop on their matched PhD and postdoctoral mentees (N = 477), we surveyed mentees before and 6 months after their mentors attended and measured their social-psychological and behavioral outcomes. To examine the effectiveness of the workshop and to explore whether workshop effects vary based on mentee demographic characteristics, including home language variety (speaker of standardized English [STE], non-standardized English [NSTE], or another language [L2]), we conducted multilevel models.

Results
After adjusting baseline scores, mentees of mentors who attended SCOARE workshops (W +) were more engaged in speaking activities (β =0 .30, p = 0.016), had higher science identity (β = 0.20, p = 0.048), and were less likely to reconsider their career due to SC skills (β = – 0.39, p = 0.004) than mentees in the W– group. Across demographic groups, mentees of mentors who attended SCOARE workshops showed similar improvements in SC outcomes. Postdoctoral mentees, compared to doctoral mentees, had higher science identity and lower intention to pursue a non-research-intensive career. Comparing mentees of the 3 categories of home language variety, both the NSTE and L2 groups, compared to the STE group, were more likely to reconsider their careers due to SC skills and had a higher intention to pursue non-research-intensive careers both at baseline and post-workshop, suggesting the possibility of language background as a barrier to mentee career progression.

Conclusion
Mentor training for SC skill development can improve social-psychological and behavioral outcomes for mentees, including science identity, frequency of speaking, and reconsideration of research careers due to concerns about SC.
Massive bleeding and perforation due to post-colectomy pan-enteritis with a significant response to biologic in a patient with ulcerative colitis: a case report
Authors: Toritani Kenichiro , Kimura Hideaki , Maebashi Manabu , Kurimura Kazuki , Haruyama Serina , Nakamori Yoshinori , Matsubayashi Mao , Kunisaki Reiko , Tanaka Reiko , Fujii Satoshi , Endo Itaru 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Post-colectomy pan-enteritis in ulcerative colitis (UC) is very rare, but it is often severe and fatal. We present a case of massive bleeding and perforation due to post-colectomy pan-enteritis, which showed a significant response to biologics in a UC patient.

Case presentation
A 30-year-old woman with a 5-month history of pancolitis UC underwent subtotal colectomy with ileostomy and mucosal fistula for refractory UC. She was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction on postoperative day (POD) 8 and bowel bleeding was observed on POD18. Reoperation was performed for bowel obstruction and bleeding on POD20. Intraoperatively, adhesive small bowel obstruction in the ileum and multiple erosions and ulcers with perforation were observed throughout the small bowel. We diagnosed post-colectomy pan-enteritis, and jejunostomy, lavage, adhesiolysis, and a simple closure of the perforated ileum were performed. High-dose steroid therapy for pan-enteritis was administered immediately after reoperation, and infliximab was administered because of worsening bleeding on day 3 after reoperation. Bleeding decreased one day after biologic administration and bleeding completely disappeared on day 10 after biologic administration. Specimens obtained from the terminal ileum at colectomy showed a normal ileum without inflammation and villus atrophy, while specimens from the perforated ileum showed congestion, villous atrophy, epithelial erosion, and mononuclear cell infiltration. No cryptitis, crypt distortion, or basal plasmacytosis (common characteristics in UC) were observed in either specimen.

Conclusion
An early diagnosis and intervention are important for post-colectomy pan-enteritis, and infliximab may be effective. Post-colectomy pan-enteritis with a multiple ulcer phenotype has different histological characteristics from UC and may have a different pathogenesis.
Bibliometric Review of the Step Test: A Comprehensive Analysis of Research Trends and Development
Authors: Sampaio Tatiana , Marinho Daniel A. , Bragada José A. , Morais Jorge E. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
The step test provides valuable information on cardiorespiratory parameters such as maximal oxygen uptake and heart rate. Cardiorespiratory capacity is critical to health-related fitness, with heart rate recovery after exercise serving as a predictor of mortality risk.

Main Body
The primary objective of this review was to identify trends, key contributors, and emerging themes in the step test literature through 2023 using the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric data extraction and analysis were performed using a dedicated bibliometric software (VOSviewer). The analysis showed continued interest through 2021. The research categories highlight the multidisciplinary nature of the step test, covering cardiovascular systems, respiratory systems, sports sciences, and medicine. It has gained global attention, with 31 countries involved, with Brazil and the United States leading the way. The diversity of contributing nations is increasing, reflecting a growing global interest. With 111 journals involved, such as Respiratory Care and Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, step test research is spread across the academic landscape. With 761 contributing researchers, there is a collaborative and diverse community. The top 10 institutions, including the University of Alabama System and Monash University, illustrate the variety of settings in which step test studies are conducted. Step test studies span multiple disciplines, underscoring their adaptability. The clusters identified in this bibliometric analysis of the step test literature guide future research, suggesting avenues for refining protocols, exploring health implications, optimizing tests for specific conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and adapting step tests in diverse populations.

Conclusions
Practical implications highlight the role of the step test in cardiovascular risk assessment, fitness monitoring, and rehabilitation. This broad review underscores the relevance of the step test in diverse settings, reflecting its adaptability and ease of application across occupational and clinical settings.
A critical analytical aspect on analytical protocols in the pharmaceutical analysis of H1N1 antiviral agent and its active metabolite
Authors: Chaudhari Suraj R. , Salunkhe Vaibhavi K. , Tabade Shubham D. , Bhonde Pragati K. , Kulkarni Sarthak G. , Maykar Dnyaneshwar H. , Ganorkar Saurabh B. , J Sanjay , Surana  , Shirkhedkar Atul A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Oseltamivir (OSM) was the first active oral therapeutic inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999 for the clinical management of the influenza virus. It is an ester-type prodrug of OSM carboxylate in the market under the trade name Tamiflu™ capsules, i.e., oseltamivir phosphate. Because of the ubiquitous application to alleviate influenza virus (flu virus) symptoms, it is imperative to develop systematic analytical protocols for quality control laboratories, bioequivalence, and pharmacokinetic analysis.

Main body of the abstract
This review provides complete state-of-the-art analytical protocols for quantifying OSM, as published in scientific journals and official compendia. Several studies use LC–MS/MS and HPLC/UV. Additionally, there are reports on UPLC, HPTLC, capillary electrophoresis, FTIR, voltammetry, potentiometry, spectrophotometric, and spectrofluorometry protocols for the drug. Many analytical protocols have also been documented to analyze OSM from environmental water, surface water, sewage discharge, the Neya River and treated sewage effluent and surface water.

Conclusion
The present review concludes with significant remarks on the methodology used to analyze OSM. Despite the therapeutic applicability of the drug, there are a limited number of comprehensive documents on analytical protocols for determining its concentration in various matrices. This lack of information is elusive, as the applicability and effectiveness of these protocols are crucial for ensuring the quality, efficacy, and safety of OSM.
Synergistic effect of waste-derived β-tricalcium phosphate microbeads loaded in hydroxyapatite-keratin-polyvinyl alcohol composite matrix in drug release for osteosarcoma treatment
Authors: Diwan Himanshi , Dan Siddhartha , Sah Mahesh Kumar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Sustained drug delivery system (DDS) for clinically relevant osteosarcoma medications is a promising strategy for treatment. β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) microbeads loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and cis-diamminedichloroplatin (CDDP) anticancer drugs in a matrix of hydroxyapatite-keratin-polyvinyl alcohol composite matrix scaffolds (HAp-K-PVA) was developed as promising DDS. HAp, β-TCP, and K utilized for the development of DDS were resourced from avian eggshells and human hairs, respectively, and duly characterized before application.

Methods
The β-TCP/alginate microbeads were fabricated using droplet extrusion and ionotropic gelation, and integrated into secondary drug carrier HAp-K-PVA composite matrix, via freeze gelation. The physicochemical and thermal characterization of developed microbeads and matrix scaffolds was performed.

Results
When DOX and CDDP were co-loaded in DDS, a synergistic impact was observed after 30 days of continuous release, in contrast to the immediate outburst as seen with individual DOX and CDDP releases. Besides, the drug release from the microbeads only, the release with the HAp-K-PVA composite matrix scaffolds was observed slower. The controlled release, antibacterial effectiveness against the test pathogens and cell viability with osteoblast-like osteosarcoma (UTOS) cells indicated the therapeutic potential for the treatment of osteosarcoma in situ. The cell viability was observed for 24 h, which showed nearly 90% after 24 h for HAp-K-PVA composite matrix scaffolds, decreased for all the scaffold groups after 72 h, indicating the enhancement due to combined synergistic effect of the co-loaded drugs.

Conclusion
This study established a promising foundation for novel and sustainable biomaterials for osteosarcoma treatment. Further advancement holds the potential to enhance patient clinical outcomes and foster advancements in the field of regenerative medicine.
Effect of sub-maximal physical fatigue on auditory and visual reaction time in healthy adults: repeated measures design
Authors: Joshi Shubham Khemchand , Dando Stephen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT) are critical for patients with stroke, especially during balance training. According to the research, most patients with stroke are fatigued at sub-maximal levels during their stroke rehabilitation. Sub-maximal physical fatigue may affect ART and VRT and impede stroke rehabilitation. Hence, it is important to study the effect of submaximal physical fatigue on ART and VRT. A pilot study on healthy adults paves the way for further research on stroke rehabilitation. The purpose of this research is to find out if submaximal physical fatigue affects ART and VRT in healthy adults. In addition, this study also determines if ART and VRT recover to baseline after 15 min of rest post-fatigue session. Furthermore, the goal is to determine whether sub-maximal physical fatigue has a greater effect on ART or VRT.

Methods
A repeated measures within-subject design was used in the study. Eighteen healthy participants (median age 24 years) completed two sessions of a sub-maximal fatigue protocol on a cycle ergometer until they reached a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 15 on a scale of 6–20. Two different fatigue sessions were conducted (one to study the effects of fatigue on ART and the other for VRT). ART or VRT was measured on computer software before (PRE), immediately after (POST-0), and 15 min after (POST-15) the sub-maximal physical fatigue protocol.

Results
The value of median ART increased significantly from PRE to POST-0 (P = 0.002) and it decreased significantly at POST-15 (P = 0.010). Similarly, the value of mean VRT increased from PRE to POST-0 (P = 0.001) before decreasing significantly at POST-15 (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the effects of submaximal fatigue on ART and VRT (P = 0.156).

Conclusion
Due to submaximal physical fatigue, ART and VRT were slower, but they returned to baseline after 15 min of rest. Submaximal physical fatigue had an equal impact on ART and VRT. As balance training requires quicker ART and VRT for optimal outcomes, it may be better if the physiotherapists consider a 15-min rest period between the exercise and balance training in patients with stroke.
Inflammation and Prediction of Death in Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence of an Intertwined Link With Tryptophan Metabolism
Authors: Menzaghi Claudia , Marucci Antonella , Mastroianno Mario , Di Ciaccia Giulio , Armillotta Maria Pia , Prehn Cornelia , Salvemini Lucia , Mangiacotti Davide , Adamski Jerzy , Fontana Andrea , De Cosmo Salvatore , Lamacchia Olga , Copetti Massimiliano , Trischitta Vincenzo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Context
The role of inflammation in shaping death risk in diabetes is still unclear.

Objective
To study whether inflammation is associated with and helps predict mortality risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. To explore the intertwined link between inflammation and tryptophan metabolism on death risk.

Methods
There were 2 prospective cohorts: the aggregate Gargano Mortality Study (1731 individuals; 872 all-cause deaths) as the discovery sample, and the Foggia Mortality Study (490 individuals; 256 deaths) as validation sample. Twenty-seven inflammatory markers were measured. Causal mediation analysis and in vitro studies were carried out to explore the link between inflammatory markers and the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (KTR) in shaping mortality risk.

Results
Using multivariable stepwise Cox regression analysis, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, RANTES, and interferon gamma–induced protein-10 (IP-10) were independently associated with death. An inflammation score (I score) comprising these 6 molecules is strongly associated with death in both the discovery and the validation cohorts HR (95% CI) 2.13 (1.91-2.37) and 2.20 (1.79-2.72), respectively. The I score improved discrimination and reclassification measures (all P &lt; .01) of 2 mortality prediction models based on clinical variables. The causal mediation analysis showed that 28% of the KTR effect on mortality was mediated by IP-10. Studies in cultured endothelial cells showed that 5-methoxy-tryptophan, an anti-inflammatory metabolite derived from tryptophan, reduces the expression of IP-10, thus providing a functional basis for the observed causal mediation.

Conclusion
Adding the I score to clinical prediction models may help identify individuals who are at greater risk of death. Deeply addressing the intertwined relationship between low-grade inflammation and imbalanced tryptophan metabolism in shaping mortality risk may help discover new therapies targeting patients characterized by these abnormalities.