bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of activities of daily living using an electronic version of the Longshi Scale in patients with stroke: reliability, consistency, and preference
Authors: Xue Kaiwen , Li Weihao , Liu Fang , Liu Xiangxiang , Wong John , Zhou Mingchao , Cai Chunli , Long Jianjun , Li Jiehui , Zhang Zeyu , Hou Weilin , Nie Guohui , Wang Yulong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Longshi Scale is a pictorial assessment tool for evaluating activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with stroke. The paper-based version presents challenges; thus, the WeChat version was created to enhance accessibility. Herein, we aimed to validate the inter-rater and test–retest reliabilities of the WeChat version of the Longshi Scale and explore its potential clinical applications.MethodsWe recruited 115 patients with stroke in the study. The ADL results of each patient were assessed using both the WeChat and paper-based version of the Longshi Scale; each evaluation was conducted by 28 health professionals and 115 caregivers separately. To explore the test–retest reliability of the WeChat version, 22 patients were randomly selected and re-evaluated by health professionals using the WeChat version. All evaluation criteria were recorded, and all evaluators were surveyed to indicate their preference between the two versions.ResultsConsistency between WeChat and the paper-based Longshi Scale was high for ADL scores by health professionals (ICC2,1 = 0.803–0.988) and caregivers (ICC2,1 = 0.845–0.983), as well as for degrees of disability (κw = 0.870 by professionals; κw = 0.800 by caregivers). Bland–Altman analysis showed no significant discrepancies. The WeChat version exhibited good test–retest reliability (κw = 0.880). The WeChat version showed similar inter-rater reliability in terms of the ADL score evaluated using the paper-based version (ICC2,1 = 0.781–0.941). The time to complete assessments did not differ significantly, although the WeChat version had a shorter information entry time (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval: –43.463 to –15.488). Health professionals favored the WeChat version (53.6%), whereas caregivers had no significant preference.ConclusionsThe WeChat version of the Longshi Scale is reliable and serves as a suitable alternative for health professionals and caregivers to assess ADL levels in patients with stroke. The WeChat version of the Longshi Scale is considered user-friendly by health professionals, although it is not preferred by caregivers.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen (approval number: 20210812003-FS01) and registered on the Clinical Trial Register Center website: clinicaltrials.gov on January 31, 2022 (registration no.: NCT05214638).
Mixed-method evaluation study of a targeted mass drug administration of long-acting anti-malarials among children aged 3 months to 15 years in the Bossangoa sub-prefecture, Ouham, Central African Republic, during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Robinson Eve , Ouabo Adelaide , Rose Letitia , van Braak Felipe , Vyncke Jorieke , Wright Roberto , Gray Nell , Sakama Narcisse Simon , Aboukar Emmanuel Joao , Fierte Methode Mberyo , Woinzoukou Daniel , Ewers Linn , Serpande Christian , Stein Susanne , Van Boetzelaer Elburg , Kpahina Odilon Auguste , Sabe Sosthene Constant , Rao Bhargavi , Kuehne Anna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) initiated three cycles of dihydroartemisin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ) mass drug administration (MDA) for children aged three months to 15 years within Bossangoa sub-prefecture, Central African Republic. Coverage, clinical impact, and community members perspectives were evaluated to inform the use of MDAs in humanitarian emergencies.

Methods
A household survey was undertaken after the MDA focusing on participation, recent illness among eligible children, and household satisfaction. Using routine surveillance data, the reduction during the MDA period compared to the same period of preceding two years in consultations, malaria diagnoses, malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) positivity in three MSF community healthcare facilities (HFs), and the reduction in severe malaria admissions at the regional hospital were estimated. Twenty-seven focus groups discussions (FGDs) with community members were conducted.

Results
Overall coverage based on the MDA card or verbal report was 94.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 86.3–97.8%). Among participants of the household survey, 2.6% (95% CI 1.6–40.3%) of round 3 MDA participants experienced illness in the preceding four weeks compared to 30.6% (95% CI 22.1–40.8%) of MDA non-participants. One community HF experienced a 54.5% (95% CI 50.8–57.9) reduction in consultations, a 73.7% (95% CI 70.5–76.5) reduction in malaria diagnoses, and 42.9% (95% CI 36.0–49.0) reduction in the proportion of positive RDTs among children under five. A second community HF experienced an increase in consultations (+ 15.1% (− 23.3 to 7.5)) and stable malaria diagnoses (4.2% (3.9–11.6)). A third community HF experienced an increase in consultations (+ 41.1% (95% CI 51.2–31.8) and malaria diagnoses (+ 37.3% (95% CI 47.4–27.9)). There were a 25.2% (95% CI 2.0–42.8) reduction in hospital admissions with severe malaria among children under five from the MDA area. FGDs revealed community members perceived less illness among children because of the MDA, as well as fewer hospitalizations. Other indirect benefits such as reduced household expenditure on healthcare were also described.

Conclusion
The MDA achieved high coverage and community acceptance. While some positive health impact was observed, it was resource intensive, particularly in this rural context. The priority for malaria control in humanitarian contexts should remain diagnosis and treatment. MDA may be additional tool where the context supports its implementation.
Reactive oxygen species-scavenging nanomaterials for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases
Authors: Dai Yun , Guo Yifan , Tang Weicheng , Chen Dan , Xue Liru , Chen Ying , Guo Yican , Wei Simin , Wu Meng , Dai Jun , Wang Shixuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith increasing proportion of the elderly in the population, age-related diseases (ARD) lead to a considerable healthcare burden to society. Prevention and treatment of ARD can decrease the negative impact of aging and the burden of disease. The aging rate is closely associated with the production of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS-mediated oxidative stress in aging triggers aging-related changes through lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA oxidation. Antioxidants can control autoxidation by scavenging free radicals or inhibiting their formation, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Benefiting from significant advances in nanotechnology, a large number of nanomaterials with ROS-scavenging capabilities have been developed. ROS-scavenging nanomaterials can be divided into two categories: nanomaterials as carriers for delivering ROS-scavenging drugs, and nanomaterials themselves with ROS-scavenging activity. This study summarizes the current advances in ROS-scavenging nanomaterials for prevention and treatment of ARD, highlights the potential mechanisms of the nanomaterials used and discusses the challenges and prospects for their applications.
Graphical Abstract
Enhanced anti-tumor efficacy with multi-transgene armed mesenchymal stem cells for treating peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Ho Yoon Khei , Woo Jun Yung , Loke Kin Man , Deng Lih-Wen , Too Heng-Phon 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have garnered significant interest for their tumor-tropic property, making them potential therapeutic delivery vehicles for cancer treatment. We have previously shown the significant anti-tumour activity in mice preclinical models and companion animals with naturally occurring cancers using non-virally engineered MSCs with a therapeutic transgene encoding cytosine deaminase and uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (CDUPRT) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Clinical studies have shown improved response rate with combinatorial treatment of 5-fluorouracil and Interferon-beta (IFNb) in peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). However, high systemic toxicities have limited the clinical use of such a regime.

Methods
In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of intraperitoneal administration of non-virally engineered MSCs to co-deliver CDUPRT/5-Flucytosine prodrug system and IFNb to potentially enhance the cGAS-STING signalling axis. Here, MSCs were engineered to express CDUPRT or CDUPRT-IFNb. Expression of CDUPRT and IFNb was confirmed by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. The anti-cancer efficacy of the engineered MSCs was evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo model. ES2, HT-29 and Colo-205 were cocultured with engineered MSCs at various ratio. The cell viability with or without 5-flucytosine was measured with MTS assay. To further compare the anti-cancer efficacy of the engineered MSCs, peritoneal carcinomatosis mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of luciferase expressing ES2 stable cells. The tumour burden was measured through bioluminescence tracking.

Results
Firstly, there was no changes in phenotypes of MSCs despite high expression of the transgene encoding CDUPRT and IFNb (CDUPRT-IFNb). Transwell migration assays and in-vivo tracking suggested the co-expression of multiple transgenes did not impact migratory capability of the MSCs. The superiority of CDUPRT-IFNb over CDUPRT expressing MSCs was demonstrated in ES2, HT-29 and Colo-205 in-vitro. Similar observations were observed in an intraperitoneal ES2 ovarian cancer xenograft model. The growth of tumor mass was inhibited by ~ 90% and 46% in the mice treated with MSCs expressing CDUPRT-IFNb or CDUPRT, respectively.

Conclusions
Taken together, these results established the effectiveness of MSCs co-expressing CDUPRT and IFNb in controlling and targeting PC growth. This study lay the foundation for the development of clinical trial using multigene-armed MSCs for PC.
CCT6A facilitates lung adenocarcinoma progression and glycolysis via STAT1/HK2 axis
Authors: Yu Shao-Kun , Yu Tao , Wang Yu-Ming , Sun Ao , Liu Jia , Lu Kai-Hua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Chaperonin Containing TCP1 Subunit 6 A (CCT6A) is a prominent protein involved in the folding and stabilization of newly synthesized proteins. However, its roles and underlying mechanisms in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), one of the most aggressive cancers, remain elusive.

Methods
Our study utilized in vitro cell phenotype experiments to assess CCT6A’s impact on the proliferation and invasion capabilities of LUAD cell lines. To delve into CCT6A’s intrinsic mechanisms affecting glycolysis and proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma, we employed transcriptomic sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) assays were also conducted to substantiate the mechanism.

Results
CCT6A was found to be significantly overexpressed in LUAD and associated with a poorer prognosis. The silencing of CCT6A inhibited the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells and elevated apoptosis rates. Mechanistically, CCT6A interacted with STAT1 protein, forming a complex that enhances the stability of STAT1 by protecting it from ubiquitin-mediated degradation. This, in turn, facilitated the transcription of hexokinase 2 (HK2), a critical enzyme in aerobic glycolysis, thereby stimulating LUAD’s aerobic glycolysis and progression.

Conclusion
Our findings reveal that the CCT6A/STAT1/HK2 axis orchestrated a reprogramming of glucose metabolism and thus promoted LUAD progression. These insights position CCT6A as a promising candidate for therapeutic intervention in LUAD treatment.
Rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation following rollout of point-of-care early infant diagnosis testing, Uganda, 2018–2021
Authors: Migamba Stella M. , Nyombi Tamara Nsubuga , Nsubuga Edirisa Juniour , Kwiringira Andrew , Delaney Augustina , Kabwama Steven Ndugwa , Nakafeero Mary , Kwesiga Benon , Kadobera Daniel , Monalisa-Mayambala Phoebe , Bulage Lilian , Ario Alex Riolexus , Harris Julie R. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Uganda Ministry of Health (MOH) recommends a first HIV DNA-PCR test at 4–6 weeks for early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV-exposed infants (HEI) and immediate return of results. WHO recommends initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) ≤ 7 days from HIV diagnosis. In 2019, MOH introduced point-of-care (POC) whole-blood EID testing in 33 health facilities and scaled up to 130 facilities in 2020. We assessed results turnaround time and ART linkage pre-POC and during POC testing.

Methods
We evaluated EID register data for HEI at 10 health facilities with POC and EID testing volume of ≥ 12 infants/month from 2018 to 2021. We abstracted data for 12 months before and after POC testing rollout and compared time to sample collection, results receipt, and ART initiation between periods using medians, Wilcoxon, and log-rank tests.

Results
Data for 4.004 HEI were abstracted, of which 1.685 (42%) were from the pre-POC period and 2.319 (58%) were from the period during POC; 3.773 (94%) had a first EID test (pre-POC: 1.649 [44%]; during POC: 2.124 [56%]). Median age at sample collection was 44 (IQR 38–51) days pre-POC and 42 (IQR 33–50) days during POC (p < 0.001). Among 3.773 HEI tested, 3.678 (97%) had test results. HIV-positive infants’ (n = 69) median age at sample collection was 94 (IQR 43–124) days pre-POC and 125 (IQR 74–206) days during POC (p = 0.04). HIV positivity rate was 1.6% (27/1.617) pre-POC and 2.0% (42/2.061) during POC (p = 0.43). For all infants, median days from sample collection to results receipt by infants’ caregivers was 28 (IQR 14–52) pre-POC and 1 (IQR 0–25) during POC (p < 0.001); among HIV-positive infants, median days were 23 (IQR 7–30) pre-POC and 0 (0–3) during POC (p < 0.001). Pre-POC, 4% (1/23) HIV-positive infants started ART on the sample collection day compared to 33% (12/37) during POC (p < 0.001); ART linkage ≤ 7 days from HIV diagnosis was 74% (17/23) pre-POC and 95% (35/37) during POC (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
POC testing improved EID results turnaround time and ART initiation for HIV-positive infants. While POC testing expansion could further improve ART linkage and loss to follow-up, there is need to explore barriers around same-day ART initiation for infants receiving POC testing.
Opportunistic prediction of osteoporosis in patients with degenerative lumbar diseases: a simplified T12 vertebral bone quality approach
Authors: Xue Congyang , Lu Xiaopei , Sun Guangda , Wang Nan , He Ganshen , Xu Wenqiang , Xi Zhipeng , Xie Lin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis is one of the risk factors for screw loosening after lumbar fusion. However, the probability of preoperative osteoporosis screening in patients with lumbar degenerative disease is low. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether a simplified vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score based on T12 T1-MRI could opportunistically predict osteoporosis in patients with degenerative lumbar spine diseases.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed cases treated for lumbar degenerative diseases at a single institution between August 2021 and June 2022. The patients were divided into three groups by the lowest T-score: osteoporosis group, osteopenia group, and normal bone mineral density (BMD) group. The signal intensity based on the T12 vertebral body divided by the signal intensity of the cerebrospinal fluid was calculated to obtain the simplified VBQ score, as well as the CT-based T12HU value and the traditional L1-4VBQ score. Various statistical analyses were used to compare VBQ, HU and DEXA, and the optimal T12VBQ threshold for predicting osteoporosis was obtained by plotting the receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis.

Results
Total of 166 patients were included in this study. There was a statistically significant difference in T12VBQ scores between the three groups (p < 0.001). Pearson correlation showed that there was a moderate correlation between T12VBQ and T-score (r=-0.406, p < 0.001). The AUC value of T12VBQ, which distinguishes between normal and low BMD, was 0.756, and the optimal diagnostic threshold was 2.94. The AUC value of T12VBQ, which distinguishes osteoporosis from non-osteoporosis, was 0.634, and the optimal diagnostic threshold was 3.18.

Conclusion
T12VBQ can be used as an effective opportunistic screening method for osteoporosis in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases. It can be used as a supplement to the evaluation of DEXA and preoperative evaluation.

Trial registration
retrospectively registered number:1502-009-644; retrospectively registered number date:27 oct 2022.
Implementation and dissemination of physical activity-related health competence in vocational nursing training: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled intervention trial
Authors: Carl Johannes , Grüne Eva , Popp Johanna , Hartung Verena , Pfeifer Klaus 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Although the nursing sector gains growing importance in an aging society, students representing the future workforce often show insufficient health. Acknowledging the health-enhancing effects of adequate physical activity, the educational system in Bavaria, Germany, has recently integrated the promotion of physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO) into the nursing curriculum. However, it cannot be assumed that PAHCO has sufficiently permeated the educational practices and routines of the nursing schools. Therefore, the goal of the present study is to examine and compare the effectiveness as well as implementation of different intervention approaches to address PAHCO in the Bavarian nursing school system.

Methods
We randomly assign 16 nursing schools (cluster-based) to four study arms (bottom-up, top-down led by teachers, top down led by external physical activity experts, control group). Schools in intervention group 1 (IG-1) develop multicomponent inventions to target PAHCO via cooperative planning (preparation, planning, and implementation phase). Intervention groups 2 and 3 (IG-2, IG-3) receive both an expert-based intervention (developed through intervention mapping) via trained mediators to address PAHCO. External physical activity experts deliver the structured PAHCO intervention in IG-2, while teachers from the nursing schools themselves conduct the PAHCO intervention in IG-3. In line with a hybrid effectiveness implementation trial, we apply questionnaire-based pre-post measurements across all conditions (sample size calculation: nfinal = 636) to examine the effectiveness of the intervention approaches and, simultaneously, draw on questionnaires, interview, and protocol data to examine their implementation. We analyze quantitative effectiveness data via linear models (times-group interaction), and implementation data using descriptive distributions and content analyses.

Conclusion
The study enables evidence-based decisions about the suitability of three intervention approaches to promote competencies for healthy, physically active lifestyles among nursing students. The findings inform dissemination activities to effectively reach all 185 schools of the Bavarian nursing system.

Trial registration
Clinical trials NCT05817396. Registered on April 18, 2023.
Co-delivery of doxycycline and rifampicin using CdTe-labeled poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid for treatment of Brucella melitensis infection
Authors: Gohari Saeideh , Hosseini Seyed Mostafa , Nouri Fatemeh , Yousefimashouf Rasoul , Arabestani Mohammad Reza , Taheri Mohammad 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBrucellosis poses a significant challenge in the medical field as a systemic infection with a propensity for relapse. This study presented a novel approach to brucellosis treatment, enhancing the efficacy of doxycycline and rifampicin through the use of poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid coupled with cadmium-telluride quantum dots (Dox-Rif-PLGA@CdTe). The double emulsion solvent evaporation method was employed to prepare Dox-Rif-PLGA@CdTe. The study scrutinized the physicochemical attributes of these nanoparticles. The impact of antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles on Brucella melitensis was evaluated through well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and cell culture. The chemical analysis results demonstrated a possibility of chemical reactions occurring among the constituents of nanoparticles. Assessments using the well diffusion and MIC methods indicated that the impact of free drugs and nanoparticles on bacteria was equivalent. However, the drug-loaded nanoparticles significantly decreased the colony-forming units (CFUs) within the cell lines compared to free drugs. In conclusion, the synthesis of nanoparticles adhered to environmentally friendly practices and demonstrated safety. The sustained drug release over 100 h facilitated drug accumulation at the bacterial site, resulting in a heightened therapeutic effect on B. melitensis and improved outcomes in brucellosis treatment. The application of these synthesized nanodrugs exhibited promising therapeutic potential.
Impact of ivermectin components on Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus mosquito survival
Authors: Khemrattrakool Pattarapon , Hongsuwong Thitipong , Tipthara Phornpimon , Kullasakboonsri Rattawan , Phanphoowong Theerawit , Sriwichai Patchara , Hanboonkunupakarn Borimas , Jittamala Podjanee , Tarning Joel , Kobylinski Kevin C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Ivermectin mass drug administration to humans or livestock is a potential vector control tool for malaria elimination. Racemic ivermectin is composed of two components, namely a major component (> 80%; ivermectin B1a), which has an ethyl group at C-26, and a minor component (< 20%; ivermectin B1b), which has a methyl group at C-26. There is no difference between the efficacy of ivermectin B1a and ivermectin B1b efficacy in nematodes, but only ivermectin B1b has been reported to be lethal to snails. The ratios of ivermectin B1a and B1b ratios in ivermectin formulations and tablets can vary between manufacturers and batches. The mosquito-lethal effects of ivermectin B1a and ivermectin B1b have never been assessed. As novel ivermectin formulations are being developed for malaria control, it is important that the mosquito-lethal effects of individual ivermectin B1a and ivermectin B1b compounds be evaluated.

Methods
Racemic ivermectin, ivermectin B1a or ivermectin B1b, respectively, was mixed with human blood at various concentrations, blood-fed to Anopheles dirus sensu stricto and Anopheles minimus sensu stricto mosquitoes, and mortality was observed for 10 days. The ivermectin B1a and B1b ratios from commercially available racemic ivermectin and marketed tablets were assessed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results
The results revealed that neither the lethal concentrations that kills 50% (LC50) nor 90% (LC90) of mosquitoes differed between racemic ivermectin, ivermectin B1a or ivermectin B1b for An. dirus or An. minimus, confirming that the individual ivermectin components have equal mosquito-lethal effects. The relative ratios of ivermectin B1a and B1b derived from sourced racemic ivermectin powder were 98.84% and 1.16%, respectively, and the relative ratios for ivermectin B1a and B1b derived from human oral ivermectin tablets were 98.55% and 1.45%, respectively.

Conclusions
The ratio of ivermectin B1a and B1b does not influence the Anopheles mosquito-lethal outcome, an ideal study result as the separation of ivermectin B1a and B1b components at scale is cost prohibitive. Thus, variations in the ratio of ivermectin B1a and B1b between batches and manufacturers, as well as potentially novel formulations for malaria control, should not influence ivermectin mosquito-lethal efficacy.

Graphical abstract