bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homosexual identity and network overlap predictors of HIV infection among older men from rural China: a case–control study
Authors: Yang Yi , Li Yuan , Fan Shuangfeng , He Jia , Xi Jing , He ShiJiao 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe number of newly reported older (≥50 years old) people living with HIV/AIDS in China has been steadily increasing, and heterosexual transmission has been identified as the major route.MethodsIn this study, based on biopsychosocial model, a case–control study (74 cases vs 296 controls) was applied to find out predictors (21 potential ones) of HIV infection among older men from rural China. Binary logistic regression with backward selection was applied.ResultsOut of 21 potential predictors of HIV infection, 4 were confirmed: receiving HIV-related health education (HRHE) (OR 0.449, 95% CI 0.238 to 0.848), self-reported homosexual identity (16.517 (95% CI 1.073 to 254.182)), visiting female sex workers (FSW) (58.427 (95% CI 7.895 to 432.403)), complete non-overlap of intimate social network and sexual network (2.912 (95% CI 1.372 to 6.177)), partial overlap (3.334 (95% CI 1.536 to 7.236)).DiscussionFindings from this study suggest current comprehensive prevention and control services need to be strengthened to provide effective HRHE including condom use to older men and help them to improve condom use, especially during visiting FSW and among self-reported homosexual older men. Moreover, increasing intimacy in their sexual relationships is necessary.
Characteristics and contraceptive practices among Chinese women seeking abortion: a multicentre, descriptive study from 2019 to 2021
Authors: Tu Pengcheng , Hu Denghui , Wu Shangchun , Li Jianan , Jiang Xiaomei , Pei Kaiyan , Zhang Wei-Hong 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionDespite the widespread provision of free contraceptives and post-abortion care (PAC) services, China grapples with a high rate of unintended pregnancies and subsequent abortions. We aimed to study the evolving characteristics of women seeking abortion and their contraceptive practices before and after abortions, to shed light on the optimisation of Chinese PAC services.MethodsThis study utilised data from an abortion cohort between 2019 and 2021. We studied their demographic features, contraception and abortion histories, reasons and choices using chi-square or linear-by-linear tests. We also explored the potential impact of receiving services at PAC facilities on post-abortion contraception use and repeat abortions using logistic regression models.ResultsAmong the 9005 participants, 43.4% experienced repeat abortion, without a discernible trend over the 3 years. Noteworthy increases were observed in the percentages of college students (from 1.7% to 6.6%, p<0.01) and middle-aged women (from 23.2% to 26.8%, p<0.01) seeking abortions. Surgical abortion was chosen by nearly 90% of participants with a continuously increasing trend (ptrend<0.01). Nearly half of the participants experienced unintended pregnancies due to non-use of contraception. Of the remainder, the majority preferred less or the least effective methods both before and after abortion. Women residing in moderate-gross domestic product (GDP) regions faced a higher risk of repeat abortions (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.54). Despite this, high-quality PAC services may encourage the use of reliable contraceptive methods, with 86.8% of women changing from least effective or no methods to (most) effective methods post-abortion, and prevent repeat abortions (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.75).ConclusionsIncreased proportions of college students and middle-aged multiparous women seeking abortions were observed, together with inappropriate preferences for less effective contraception and increasing choice of surgical abortions. Future research should extend the focus to cover the entire abortion period, advocate the rational selection of contraceptive methods, and emphasise the specified PAC services tailored to different socioeconomic groups.
Combining toll-like receptor agonists with immune checkpoint blockade affects antitumor vaccine efficacy
Authors: Jeon Donghwan , Hill Ethan , Moseman Jena E , McNeel Douglas G 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundT cell checkpoint receptors are expressed when T cells are activated, and modulation of the expression or signaling of these receptors can alter the function of T cells and their antitumor efficacy. We previously found that T cells activated with cognate antigen had increases in the expression of PD-1, and this was attenuated in the presence of multiple toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, notably TLR3 plus TLR9. In the current report, we sought to investigate whether combining TLR agonists with immune checkpoint blockade can further augment vaccine-mediated T cell antitumor immunity in murine tumor models.MethodsTLR agonists (TLR3 plus TLR9) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (antibodies targeting PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, TIM-3 or VISTA) were combined and delivered with vaccines or vaccine-activated CD8+T cells to E.G7-OVA or MyC-CaP tumor-bearing mice. Tumors were assessed for growth and then collected and analyzed by flow cytometry.ResultsImmunization of E.G7-OVA tumor-bearing mice with SIINFEKL peptide vaccine, coadministered with TLR agonists and αCTLA-4, demonstrated greater antitumor efficacy than immunization with TLR agonists or αCTLA-4 alone. Conversely, the antitumor efficacy was abrogated when vaccine and TLR agonists were combined with αPD-1. TLR agonists suppressed PD-1 expression on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and activated this population. Depletion of Tregs in tumor-bearing mice led to greater antitumor efficacy of this combination therapy, even in the presence of αPD-1. Combining vaccination with TLR agonists and αCTLA-4 or αLAG-3 showed greater antitumor than with combinations with αTIM-3 or αVISTA.ConclusionThe combination of TLR agonists and αCTLA-4 or αLAG-3 can further improve the efficacy of a cancer vaccine, an effect not observed using αPD-1 due to activation of Tregs when αPD-1 was combined with TLR3 and TLR9 agonists. These data suggest that optimal combinations of TLR agonists and immune checkpoint blockade may improve the efficacy of human anticancer vaccines.
Expanded targeted preconception screening panel in Israel: findings and insights
Authors: Reches Adi , Ofen Glassner Vered , Goldstein Nurit , Yeshaya Josepha , Delmar Galit , Portugali Ellie , Hallas Tova , Weinstein Amit , Kurolap Alina , Berkenstadt Michal , Mantsour Tal , Abu-Gutstein Liat , Ries-Levavi Liat , Reznik-Wolf Haike , Behar Doron Moshe , Yaron Yuval , Pras Elon , Baris Feldman Hagit 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundWe aimed to analyse the efficacy and added value of a targeted Israeli expanded carrier screening panel (IL-ECSP), beyond the first-tier test covered by the Israeli Ministry of Health (IMOH) and the second-tier covered by the Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs).MethodsA curated variant-based IL-ECSP, tailored to the uniquely diverse Israeli population, was offered at two tertiary hospitals and a major genetics laboratory. The panel includes 1487 variants in 357 autosomal recessive and X-linked genes.ResultsWe analysed 10 115 Israeli samples during an 18-month period. Of these, 6036 (59.7%) were tested as couples and 4079 (40.3%) were singles. Carriers were most frequently identified with mutations in the following genes:GJB2/GJB6(1:22 allele frequency),CFTR(1:28),GBA(1:34),TYR(1:39),PAH(1:50),SMN1(1:52) andHEXA(1:56). Of 3018 couples tested, 753 (25%) had no findings, in 1464 (48.5%) only one partner was a carrier, and in 733 (24.3%) both were carriers of different diseases. We identified 79 (2.6%) at-risk couples, where both partners are carriers of the same autosomal recessive condition, or the female carries an X-linked disease. Importantly, 48.1% of these would not have been detected by ethnically-based screening tests currently provided by the IMOH and HMOs, for example, variants inGBA, TYR, PAH and GJB2/GJB6.ConclusionThis is the largest cohort of targeted ECSP testing, tailored to the diverse Israeli population. The IL-ECSP expands the identification of couples at risk and empowers their reproductive choices. We recommend endorsing an expanded targeted panel to the National Genetic Carrier Screening programme.
Comparison of Pipeline embolization device versus Tubridge embolization device in unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a multicenter, propensity score matched study
Authors: Huang Chi , Ma Gengwu , Tong Xin , Feng Xin , Wen Zhuohua , Huang Mengshi , Xu Anqi , Yuan Hao , Shi HongYu , Lin Jiancheng , Li Can , Ge Runze , Huang Jiwan , Peng Chao , Zhu Yajun , Wang Tao , Huang Changren , Guo Zongduo , Liang Shuyin , Su Shixing , Zhang Xin , Li Xifeng , Liu Aihua , Duan Chuan-Zhi 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundFlow diverter devices (FDs) are increasingly used for treating unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), but limited studies compared different FDs.ObjectiveTo conduct a propensity score matched analysis comparing the Pipeline embolization device (PED) and Tubridge embolization device (TED) for UIAs.MethodsPatients with UIAs treated with either PED or TED between July 2016 and July 2022 were included. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for age, sex, comorbidities, smoking, drinking, aneurysm size, morphology, neck, location, parent artery diameter, adjunctive coiling, and angiographic follow-up duration. Perioperative complications and clinical and angiographic outcomes were compared after matching.Results735 patients treated by PED and 290 patients treated by TED were enrolled. Compared with the PED group, patients in the TED group had a greater number of women and patients with ischemia, a smaller proportion of vertebrobasilar and non-saccular aneurysms, a smaller size and neck, and fewer adjunctive coils and overlapping stents, but a larger parent artery diameter and lumen disparities. After adjusting for these differences, 275 pairs were matched. No differences were found in perioperative complications (4.4% vs 2.5%, P=0.350), in-stent stenosis (16.0% vs 15.6%, P>0.999), or favorable prognosis (98.9% vs 98.5%, P>0.999). However, PED showed a trend towards better complete occlusion over a median 8-month angiographic follow-up (81.8% vs 75.3%, P=0.077).ConclusionCompared with PED, TED provides a comparable rate of perioperative and short-term outcomes. Nevertheless, a better occlusion status in the PED group needs to be further verified over a longer follow-up period.
Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in women of the Czech Republic Armed Forces: a cross-sectional pilot study
Authors: Karasek Lubos , Smetana J , Svobodova P , Smahelova J , Tachezy R , Kiss I , Nejedla D 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an everlasting health issue globally. The military environment is recognised as a high-risk setting. Human papillomavirus (HPV),Chlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaeare the most frequent STIs worldwide. This prospective cross-sectional pilot study focuses on the prevalence of selected STIs in the female population of the Czech Republic’s Armed Forces.MethodsC. trachomatis,N. gonorrhoeaeand HPV detection and genotyping were performed between August 2020 and December 2022 in 141 women. Participants were divided into three groups according to their military status—recruits (n=72), active soldiers (n=25) and control civilian group (n=44). Cervical smear tests were performed, and data on STI risk factors were obtained through a questionnaire.ResultsA significant difference in the HPV prevalence between recruits (64.5 %) and both active soldiers (46.4 %) and civilians (47.3 %) was found when adjusted for age (p=0.007 and p=0.01, respectively). Lower age of coitarche (median 16; p=0.005) and smaller agglomeration origin (p=0.013) were reported for military recruits. No difference was proven in other researched risk factors. Associations between HPV detection and the higher number of sexual partners (p=0.013), early coitarche (p=0.016) and single marital status (p=0.002) across the groups were observed. Not a single case ofN. gonorrhoeaewas detected in any of the 141 participants. The prevalence ofC. trachomatisdid not differ significantly between the three evaluated groups—recruits, control civilian group, and active soldiers (5.6%, 2.3%, 0%, respectively; p=0.567).ConclusionsThis pilot study showed a significantly higher HPV prevalence in female military recruits compared with both active military and civilian women. Recruits reported earlier coitarche which is a strong STI risk factor. Further study is needed to expand on the findings of this pilot study and generate data to support adjustment of STI preventive measures within the Czech Republic Armed Forces.
Emotional demands at work and risk of disability pension: a nationwide cohort study in Denmark
Authors: Framke Elisabeth , Sørensen Jeppe Karl , Madsen Ida E H , Rugulies Reiner 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionWorking in emotionally demanding jobs is associated with an increased risk of temporarily leaving the labour market due to long-term sickness absence. We tested whether employees working in emotionally demanding jobs are also at higher risk of permanently leaving the labour market due to disability pension compared with employees working in jobs that are not emotionally demanding.MethodsWe conducted a 10-year cohort study in the workforce in Denmark (n=1 670 825), aged 30–59 years at baseline, by linking job exposure matrices with nationwide registries on social transfer payments and covariates. Using Cox regression, we analysed the risk of disability pension in relation to emotional demands in the full population and sex stratified. Multivariable adjusted models included sex, age, cohabitation, migration background, household disposable income and other work environmental factors (physical workload, influence, possibilities for development and role conflicts).ResultsWe identified 67 923 new cases of disability pension during 15 649 743 person-years of follow-up (mean follow-up: 9.4 years). We found an increasing risk of disability pension with higher levels of emotional demands, with HRs of 1.20, 1.23 and 1.73 for medium-low, medium-high and high emotional demands, respectively, compared with low emotional demands in the most adjusted model. There was an exposure–response association in women and a tendency towards an exposure–response association in men.DiscussionIn this nationwide cohort study, we found an increased risk of permanent exit from the labour market due to disability pension in women and men working in emotionally demanding jobs.
On the gauge invariance of the higher-derivative Yang–Mills–Chern–Simons action
Authors: Ghasemkhani M. , Soleimani G. , Bufalo R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this work, we study the perturbative generation of the gauge invariant effective action for the non-Abelian gauge field in a $$(2+1)$$

(
2
+
1
)

-dimensional spacetime. We present a detailed analysis of the two, three and four-point functions in order to determine the non-Abelian Chern–Simons terms (parity odd) and Yang–Mills terms (parity even). Moreover, these terms are supplemented by the higher-derivative corrections which resulted in the Alekseev–Arbuzov–Baikov effective action (parity even) plus the higher-derivative (HD) corrections to the Chern–Simons terms (parity odd). In order to highlight some features about the perturbative generation of the effective action, we present a discussion based on the dimensional analysis, which allows us to establish the general structure of the permissible terms to guarantee the gauge invariance of the higher-derivative parts.
Investigation of optical properties of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) thin films using neural networks
Authors: Mohamed R. A. , El-Nahass M. M. , El-Bakry M. Y. , El-Dahshan El-Sayed A. , Aamer E. H. , Habashy D. M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNowadays, transition metal oxide, the semiconductor molybdenum trioxide (MoO3), is a favorable choice because it has several industrial applications and alluring qualities. It has a significant role as an industrial catalyst due to its electrochromic properties. The optical behavior of the MoO3 thin film onto various substrates of the powder of MoO3 was investigated. x-ray diffraction analysis revealed an orthorhombic structure. Measurements of the average crystallite size and dislocation density were obtained, which were 132.8 nm and 5.7× 10–4 nm−2, respectively. Spectrophotometric measurements of transmittance (T) and reflectance (R) at normal incidence in the 300–1400 nm wavelength range of the film onto various substrates were examined. The dispersion and indirect optical transitions and nonlinear optical parameters were identified for glass and quartz substrates. An estimation of the optical behavior of the MoO3 thin film using the artificial neural network (ANN) model was carried out. Experimental data were used as inputs. The optical characterization of ANN modeling outputs provides excellent results. Error values support the success of the modeling process, with a mean squared error value of < 10−1. Moreover, the theoretical equation describing the experimental results was obtained depending on the ANN model, representing the relation between the inputs and outputs. According to the findings of this research, the ANN model can be utilized as an efficient tool to simulate and predict the optical parameters of the MoO3 thin film. Additionally, it can establish strong connections between theoretical and experimental fields.
Enhancing Electrochemical Stability of Silicon-Carbon and NMC based Lithium-Ion Batteries through the Synergistic Impact of Charge Balance and Direct-Contact Pre-Lithiation Strategy
Authors: Gautam Manoj , Mishra Govind Kumar , Bhawana K , Kalwar Chhotelal Sah , Mitra Sagar 
Published: May 2024

The commercial feasibility of silicon (Si) anodes (≥ 30%) in full-cell systems is constrained by poor cyclic stability and capacity balancing due to continuous active lithium (Li) consumption in each cycle. We proposed a capacity balancing approach by adding additional Li at the cathode side (i.e., ratio of capacity at negative to positive electrode (N/P) ∼ 0.9) and anode side (i.e., pre-lithiated Si) before full-cell fabrication. This approach provided a capacity-balanced full-cell with 91.7% of initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and stability up to 50 cycles. In-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis have been utilized to examine the interface of bare and balanced full cells. In a large format cell, electrolyte wettability is an issue and it has been investigated even at high temperature (50 °C). The post-cycle investigation also indicates the Si particles retained their integrity after cycling. A 110 mAh pouch cell has been constructed, and the pouch cell demonstrated exceptional cyclic stability up to 200 cycles, with a capacity retention of 83.2% at a current rate of 0.1 C. These findings present a capacity balancing approach for high-loading silicon-based anodes that eventually can scale up to high-quality and long-cycle life lithium-ion batteries.
Metabolic Reprogramming of Tumor-Associated Macrophages Using Glutamine Antagonist JHU083 Drives Tumor Immunity in Myeloid-Rich Prostate and Bladder Cancers
Authors: Praharaj Monali , Shen Fan , Lee Alex J. , Zhao Liang , Nirschl Thomas R. , Theodros Debebe , Singh Alok K. , Wang Xiaoxu , Adusei Kenneth M. , Lombardo Kara A. , Williams Raekwon A. , Sena Laura A. , Thompson Elizabeth A. , Tam Ada , Yegnasubramanian Srinivasan , Pearce Edward J. , Leone Robert D. , Alt Jesse , Rais Rana , Slusher Barbara S. , Pardoll Drew M. , Powell Jonathan D. , Zarif Jelani C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Glutamine metabolism in tumor microenvironments critically regulates antitumor immunity. Using the glutamine-antagonist prodrug JHU083, we report potent tumor growth inhibition in urologic tumors by JHU083-reprogrammed tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-infiltrating monocytes. We show JHU083-mediated glutamine antagonism in tumor microenvironments induced by TNF, proinflammatory, and mTORC1 signaling in intratumoral TAM clusters. JHU083-reprogrammed TAMs also exhibited increased tumor cell phagocytosis and diminished proangiogenic capacities. In vivo inhibition of TAM glutamine consumption resulted in increased glycolysis, a broken tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and purine metabolism disruption. Although the antitumor effect of glutamine antagonism on tumor-infiltrating T cells was moderate, JHU083 promoted a stem cell–like phenotype in CD8+ T cells and decreased the abundance of regulatory T cells. Finally, JHU083 caused a global shutdown in glutamine-utilizing metabolic pathways in tumor cells, leading to reduced HIF-1α, c-MYC phosphorylation, and induction of tumor cell apoptosis, all key antitumor features. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that targeting glutamine with JHU083 led to suppressed tumor growth as well as reprogramming of immunosuppressive TAMs within prostate and bladder tumors that promoted antitumor immune responses. JHU083 can offer an effective therapeutic benefit for tumor types that are enriched in immunosuppressive TAMs.
Efficacy and Safety of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab in Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hornstein Nicholas J. , Zeineddine Mohammad A. , Gunes Betul B. , Pellatt Andrew J. , Knafl Mark , Zhu Haifeng , Willett Anneleis F. , Yousef Abdelrahman , Liu Suyu , Sun Ryan , Futreal Andrew , Woodman Scott E. , Taggart Melissa W. , Overman Michael J. , Halperin Daniel M. , Raghav Kanwal P. , Shen John Paul 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) remains an orphan disease with limited treatment options for patients unable to undergo surgical resection. Evidence supporting the efficacy of combined VEGF and PD-1 inhibition in other tumor types provided a compelling rationale for investigating this combination in AA, where immune checkpoint inhibitors have not been explored previously.

Experimental Design:
We conducted a prospective, single-arm phase II study evaluating efficacy and safety of atezolizumab in conjunction with bevacizumab (Atezo+Bev) in advanced, unresectable AA.

Results:
Patients treated with the Atezo+Bev combination had 100% disease control rate (1 partial response, 15 stable disease) with progression-free survival (PFS) of 18.3 months and overall survival not-yet-reached with median duration of follow-up of 40 months. These survival intervals were significantly longer relative to a clinically and molecularly matched synthetic control cohort treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy designed for colorectal cancer (PFS of 4.4 months, P = 0.041).

Conclusions:
In light of recent data demonstrating a lack of efficacy of 5-fluorouracil–based chemotherapy, Atezo+Bev is a promising treatment option for patients with low-grade unresectable AA; further study is warranted.

Significance:
AA remains an orphan disease with limited systemic therapy options for patients who are not candidates for surgical resection. These data suggest activity from combined VEGF and PD-L1 inhibition that warrants further study.