bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of tobacco and nicotine products among adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a population-based multi-country household survey
Authors: Kisia Lyagamula , Mohamed Shukri F , Kyule Grace , Tchoupé Christelle , Abolarin Olatunbosun , Pokothoane Retselisitsoe , Agerfa Terefe Gelibo , Iddi Samuel , Okumu Boscow , Mbaya Nelson , Kadengye Damazo T , Mdege Noreen Dadirai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe use of tobacco among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, is a public health issue of concern. The tobacco industry’s aggressive marketing tactics target young people in African countries, leading to early initiation of tobacco use. While existing evidence focuses on 13-15-year-olds, data from Sub-Saharan Africa indicates that smoking initiation ranges from as young as 7 years old to around 16 years old. The lack of data on adolescent tobacco use in African countries limits policymakers’ ability to implement evidence-based tobacco control policies. This study aims to address the critical lack of quality and timely primary data on adolescent tobacco use thereby enhancing the country’s capacity to target interventions effectively, engage local governments, and attract global attention and funding for adolescent health initiatives.MethodsWe will conduct a cross-sectional nationwide survey among adolescents aged 10 - 17 years in urban and rural areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria. This household-based survey will utilise a multi-stage stratified sample design to ensure representation across diverse geographic and demographic characteristics.DiscussionThrough this initiative, we aim to catalyse action at national and international levels to combat the tobacco epidemic among adolescents in SSA. The findings from the DaYTA study will empower stakeholders to advocate for effective tobacco control measures, promote adolescent health, and safeguard future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco use.
Global and regional associations of enteric infections and asthma
Authors: Ni Duan , Nanan Ralph 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAsthma is one of the most common chronic diseases globally. There are various risk factors for asthma, including respiratory infections, like rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections. Nevertheless, impacts from non-respiratory tract infections on asthma remain unresolved. Globally, enteric infections are the most common infections. Their target organ, the intestinal system, shares the same embryonic origin, the endoderm, as the respiratory tract. These led us to inspect the potential associations between enteric infections and asthma.We analyzed three independent epidemiological datasets with the cutting-edge generalized additive model (GAM). Consistently, in two regional datasets (America and Japan) and a global dataset, we found that enteric infection incidence was generally linked to increased asthma disease burden.This is the first study to our knowledge to comprehensively elucidate the positive associations between enteric infections and asthma. Our findings would be instructive to both clinical practice and mechanistic study for asthma.
Knowledge, attitude and utilization of nursing theories among nursing personnel: A descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Joseph Joyce , Tom Linnet Maria , Maji Krishna , Sahu Kusumlata , Gupta Lakshmi , Bajpai KM Akriti , Kaur Komalpreet 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimTo assess knowledge, attitude and utilization of Nursing Theories among Nursing Personnel working in a tertiary care centre in India.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a proportionate stratified random sample of 350 nursing personnel in a tertiary care centre in east-central India. A self-structured tool to assess knowledge, practice and utilization was distributed to nursing personnel via Google forms between, March 2024-April 2024.ResultsThe results revealed that the mean scores for the knowledge, attitude, and utilization component being 2.58 ± 0.570, 53.64 ± 6.433, and 1.87 ± 0.740, respectively. Among the nursing personnel, the analysis does not show any significant (p-value > 0.05) difference in the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and utilization when comparing different designations, age groups, genders, levels of work experience, professional qualifications, and types of institutes, indicating that the observed differences could be due to chance. However, in utilization, when examining the nature of the job, a significant difference is observed.ConclusionsIt is important to practice nursing theories in clinical setting for better patient care. Theories of nursing contribute to richness of the profession and provide an identity to the profession. Barriers in implementing nursing theories in practice must be examined and a particular focus to be given.
Association of computed tomography scan–assessed body composition with immune and PI3K/AKT pathway proteins in distinct breast cancer tumor components
Authors: Cheng Ting-Yuan David , Fu Dongtao Ann , Falzarano Sara M , Zhang Runzhi , Datta Susmita , Zhang Weizhou , Omilian Angela R. , Aduse-Poku Livingstone , Bian Jiang , Irianto Jarome , Asirvatham Jaya Ruth , Campbell-Thompson Martha 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis hypothesis-generating study aims to examine the extent to which computed tomography-assessed body composition phenotypes are associated with immune and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in breast tumors. A total of 52 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer were classified into four body composition types: adequate (lowest two tertiles of total adipose tissue [TAT]) and highest two tertiles of total skeletal muscle [TSM] areas); high adiposity (highest tertile of TAT and highest two tertiles of TSM); low muscle (lowest tertile of TSM and lowest two tertiles of TAT); and high adiposity with low muscle (highest tertile of TAT and lowest tertile of TSM). Immune and PI3K/AKT pathway proteins were profiled in tumor epithelium and the leukocyte-enriched stromal microenvironment using GeoMx (NanoString). Linear mixed models were used to compare log2-transformed protein levels. Compared with the normal type, the low muscle type was associated with higher expression of INPP4B (log2-fold change = 1.14, p = 0.0003, false discovery rate = 0.028). Other significant associations included low muscle type with increased CTLA4 and decreased pan-AKT expression in tumor epithelium, and high adiposity with increased CD3, CD8, CD20, and CD45RO expression in stroma (P<0.05; false discovery rate >0.2). With confirmation, body composition can be associated with signaling pathways in distinct components of breast tumors, highlighting the potential utility of body composition in informing tumor biology and therapy efficacies.
Rare genetic coding variants associated with age-related episodic memory decline implicate distinct memory pathologies in the hippocampus
Authors: Ali Amanat , Milman Sofiya , Weiss Erica F. , Gao Tina , Napolioni Valerio , Barzilai Nir , Zhang Zhengdong D. , Lin Jhih-Rong 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundApproximately 40% of people aged 65 or older experience memory loss, particularly in episodic memory. Identifying the genetic basis of episodic memory decline is crucial for uncovering its underlying causes.MethodsWe investigated common and rare genetic variants associated with episodic memory decline in 742 (632 for rare variants) Ashkenazi Jewish individuals (mean age 75) from the LonGenity study. All-atom MD simulations were performed to uncover mechanistic insights underlying rare variants associated with episodic memory decline.ResultsIn addition to the common polygenic risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), we identified and replicated rare variant association inITSN1andCRHR2. Structural analyses revealed distinct memory pathologies mediated by interfacial rare coding variants such as impaired receptor activation of corticotropin releasing hormone and dysregulated L-serine synthesis.DiscussionOur study uncovers novel risk loci for episodic memory decline. The identified underlying mechanisms point toward heterogeneous memory pathologies mediated by rare coding variants.
The Effect of Perceived Social support on Cervical Cancer Screening among Nepali women residing in Dhulikhel and Banepa municipality
Authors: Cruanes Gaël , Paudel Pratiksha , Regmi Urja , House Darlene R , Shrestha Archana , Paneru Bandana 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundCervical cancer ranks as the most common cancer among Nepalese women with a high incidence and mortality. Despite evidence that effective screening programs reduce disease burden, screening services are under-utilized. In various other countries, perceived social support has been shown to increase cervical cancer screening uptake among women.ObjectivesThis study assessed the association between perceived social support and cervical cancer screening uptake among women residing in semi-urban areas of Kavrepalanchok district (Dhulikhel and Banepa), Nepal.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among women aged 30-60 years using telephone interview method from 15thJune to 15thOctober 2021. A validated Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was utilized to measure perceived social support. We obtained information on cervical cancer screening uptake through self-reported responses. A Mann Whitney analysis was performed to assess the association between perceived social support and cervical cancer screening uptake.ResultsFour hundred twenty-six women participated in the study. There was a significant association between significant others’ social support (p-value=0.007, 95% CI: 0.08-0.53) and family social support (p-value=0.04, 95% CI: 0.003-0.4).ConclusionWomen residing in semi-urban areas of Nepal who had higher perceived social support from their significant other and family were more likely to have been screened for cervical cancer. Community interventions fostering conversations about reproductive health between husbands and their wives may increase perceived social support and contribute to higher uptake of cervical cancer screening.
Safe Injection Self-Efficacy is associated with HCV and HIV seropositivity among people who inject drugs in the San Diego-Tijuana border region
Authors: Bailey Katie , Abramovitz Daniela , Rangel Gudelia , Harvey-Vera Alicia , Vera Carlos F. , Patterson Thomas L. , Sánchez-Lira Jaime Arredondo , Davidson Peter J. , Garfein Richard S. , Smith Laramie R. , Pitpitan Eileen V. , Goldenberg Shira M. , Strathdee Steffanie A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundSafe injection self-efficacy (SISE) is negatively associated with injection risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID) but has not been examined in differing risk environments. We compared responses to a validated SISE scale between PWID in San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico, and examine correlates of SISE among PWID in Tijuana.MethodsPWID were recruited via street outreach for a longitudinal cohort study from October 2020 – September 2021. We compared SISE scale items by city. Due to low variability in SISE scores among San Diego residents, we restricted analysis of factors associated with SISE to Tijuana residents and identified correlates of SISE scores (low, medium, high) using ordinal logistic regression.ResultsOf 474 participants, most were male (74%), Latinx (78%) and Tijuana residents (73%). Mean age was 44. Mean SISE scores among San Diego residents were high (3.46 of 4 maximum) relative to Tijuana residents (mean: 1.93). Among Tijuana residents, White race and having previously resided in San Diego were associated with higher SISE scores. HCV and HIV seropositivity, homelessness, fentanyl use, polysubstance co-injection, and greater injection frequency were associated with lower SISE scores.ConclusionsWe found profound inequalities between Tijuana and San Diego SISE, likely attributable to differential risk environments. Associations with fentanyl and polysubstance co-injection, injection frequency, and both HIV and HCV seropositivity suggest that SISE contribute to blood-borne infection transmission risks in Tijuana. SISE reflects an actionable intervention target to reduce injection risk behaviors, but structural interventions are required to intervene upon the risk environment.
Prevalence of Diabetes and Prediabetes in Peru: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vera-Ponce Víctor Juan , Zuzunaga-Montoya Fiorella E. , Vásquez-Romero Luisa Erika Milagros , Loayza-Castro Joan A. , Vigil-Ventura Enrique , Ramos Willy 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionDiabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes represent significant public health challenges in Peru, with prevalence rates showing considerable variation in recent studies.ObjectiveConduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the updated prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in Peru.MethodologyAn exhaustive analysis of studies published in PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Scielo, and LILACS databases was conducted. Both national and subnational studies reporting prevalence rates of diabetes and prediabetes using different diagnostic methods and representative sampling techniques were included. Data were synthesized through meta-analysis, evaluating heterogeneity and trends over time and across regions.ResultsEight studies provided data on the prevalence of DM, while six studies reported on prediabetes. The meta-analysis calculated an overall prevalence of DM at 5.90% (95% CI: 3.98% - 8.17%) and prediabetes at 13.02% (95% CI: 6.31% - 21.68%). Both conditions showed increasing trends over time, with recent studies indicating prevalence rates as high as 10%. However, there was substantial variability in prediabetes rates, ranging from 3.62% to 24.5%.ConclusionsThe findings underscore the need for standardization in diagnostic methods and the implementation of more extensive and representative national studies. To mitigate the impact of these chronic conditions, public health policies should focus on early detection and prevention.
Characterization of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in retail dairy products in the US
Authors: Spackman Erica , Jones Deana R. , McCoig Amber M. , Colonius Tristan J. , Goraichuk Iryna , Suarez David L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn March 2024 Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) was detected in dairy cattle in the US and it was discovered that the virus could be detected in raw milk. Although affected cow’s milk is diverted from human consumption and current pasteurization requirements are expected to reduce or eliminate HPAIV from the milk supply, a study was conducted to characterize whether the virus could be detected by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qrRT-PCR) in pasteurized retail dairy products and if detected, to determine whether the virus was viable. From April 18 to 22, 2024 a total of 297 samples of Grade A pasteurized retail milk products (23 product types) were collected from 17 US states and represented products from 132 processors in 38 states. Viral RNA was detected in 60 samples (20.2%) with titer equivalents of up to 5.4log1050% egg infectious doses (EID50) per ml, with a mean and median of 3.0log10/ml and 2.9log10/ml respectively. Samples that were positive for type A influenza by qrRT-PCR were confirmed to be clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIV by qrRT-PCR. No infectious virus was detected in any of the qrRT-PCR positive samples in embryonating chicken eggs. Further studies are needed to monitor the milk supply but these results provide evidence that infectious virus did not enter the US pasteurized milk supply before control measures for HPAIV were implemented in dairy cattle.ImportanceHighly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infections in US dairy cattle were first confirmed in March 2024. Because the virus could be detected in raw milk a study was conducted to determine whether it had entered the retail food supply. Pasteurized dairy products were collected from 17 states in April 2024. Viral RNA was detected in 1 in 5 samples but infectious virus was not detected. This provides a snap-shot of HPAIV in milk products early in the event and reinforces that with numerous safety measures, infectious virus in milk is unlikely to enter the food supply.
Peculiar transcriptional reprogramming with functional impairment of dendritic cells upon exposure to transformed HTLV-1-infected cells
Authors: Carcone Auriane , Mortreux Franck , Alais Sandrine , Mathieu Cyrille , Journo Chloé , Dutartre Hélène 
Published: May 2024

AbstractManipulation of immune cell functions, independently of direct infection of these cells, emerges as a key process in viral pathophysiology. Chronic infection by Human T-cell Leukemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with immune dysfunctions, including misdirected responses of dendritic cells (DCs). Here, we interrogate the ability of transformed HTLV-1-infected T cells to manipulate human DC functions. We show that exposure to transformed HTLV-1-infected T cells induces a biased and peculiar transcriptional signature in monocyte-derived DCs, associated with an inefficient maturation and a poor responsiveness to subsequent stimulation by a TLR4 agonist. This poor responsiveness is also associated with a unique transcriptional landscape characterized by a set of genes whose expression is either conferred, impaired or abolished by HTLV-1 pre-exposure. Induction of this functional impairment requires several hours of coculture with transformed HTLV-1-infected cells, and associated mechanisms driven by viral capture, cell-cell contacts, and soluble mediators. Altogether, this cross-talk between infected T cells and DCs illustrate how HTLV-1 might co-opt communications between cells to induce a unique local tolerogenic immune microenvironment suitable for its own persistence.SignificanceChronic viral infection is associated with an escape from immune surveillance. This may rely on the induction of inappropriate DC responses, which can contribute to immunopathology. Immune dysfunctions have been repeatedly reported in people living with Human T-cell Leukemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1), years before fatal clinical symptom onset, including misdirected responses of dendritic cells (DCs). Here, we report that HTLV-1-infected T cells actively manipulate neighboring, uninfected MDDC functions by rewiring their transcriptional response, leading to a biased, pro-tolerogenic responsiveness in MDDCs, induced by the bidirectional release of soluble mediators, in cooperation with mechanisms dependent on cell-cell contacts. This cross-talk illustrate how HTLV-1 might co-opt communications between cells to induce a local tolerogenic immune microenvironment suitable for its own persistence
Inducible transposon mutagenesis for genome-scale forward genetics
Authors: Basta David W. , Campbell Ian W. , Sullivan Emily J. , Hotinger Julia A. , Hullahalli Karthik , Waldor Matthew K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTransposon insertion sequencing (Tn-seq) is a powerful method for genome-scale functional genetics in bacteria. However, its effectiveness is often limited by a lack of mutant diversity, caused by either inefficient transposon delivery or stochastic loss of mutants due to population bottlenecks. Here, we introduce “InducTn-seq”, which leverages inducible mutagenesis for temporal control of transposition. InducTn-seq generates millions of transposon mutants from a single colony, enabling the sensitive detection of subtle fitness defects and transforming binary classifications of gene essentiality into a quantitative fitness measurement across both essential and non-essential genes. Using a mouse model of infectious colitis, we show that InducTn-seq bypasses a highly restrictive host bottleneck to generate a diverse transposon mutant population from the few cells that initiate infection, revealing the role of oxygen-related metabolic plasticity in pathogenesis. Overall, InducTn-seq overcomes the limitations of traditional Tn-seq, unlocking new possibilities for genome-scale forward genetic screens in bacteria.
BCOR-Rearranged Sarcomas:In SilicoInsights into Altered Domains and Reduced RAWUL-PUFD Binding
Authors: Madarász Kristóf , Mótyán János András , Chien Yi-Che Chang , Bedekovics Judit , Csoma Szilvia Lilla , Méhes Gábor , Mokánszki Attila 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBCOR(BCL-6 corepressor)-rearranged small round cell sarcoma (BRS) is a rare soft tissue tumor, mostly featuring theBCOR::CCNB3fusion, with other fusions likeBCOR::MAML3,BCOR::CLGN,ZC3H7B::BCOR,KMT2D::BCOR,CIITA::BCOR, andRTL9-BCORalso reported. BCOR, a Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) component, influences histone modifications. It dimerizes with Polycomb group RING finger homolog (PCGF1) via its PCGF ubiquitin-like fold discriminator (PUFD) domain interacting with PCGF1’s RING finger and WD40-associated ubiquitin-like (RAWUL) domain. We used variousin silicotools to explore the impact of fusion events on BCOR’s functionality and RAWUL-PUFD dimer binding affinity. Changes were found in the domain landscapes, physicochemical properties, GO terms and significant increases in the disordered regions within the PUFD domain of the fusion proteins. Structural predictions indicated modified intermolecular contacts (ICs) and a significant reduction in binding affinity in fusion protein RAWUL-PUFD dimers. These findings align with expression data showing PRC1-regulated gene upregulation in BRS, likely due to reduced RAWUL-PUFD binding affinity, impacting dimer formation and PRC1 assembly. Our findings enhance the understanding of BRS oncogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets.
A Novel Approach for Using Thermal Imaging to Study Behavioural Responses to Environmental Stressors in Passerines
Authors: Roy Joseph , Macleod Ross 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInfrared thermography is a promising tool for assessing proxy for stress response in animals. With the advancement of longer recording capabilities, this technique allows the monitoring of the dynamic nature of the temperature variation which is highly correlated to the stress faced by the animal. The current method of extraction of data from thermal videos involves manual identification of the beginning and end of the activity (feeding bout in our case) and extracting the temperature data into CSV files. In this paper, we aim to identify the beginning and ending of the feeding bout by the Identification of Temperature Change (ITC) that happens when a bird arrives and leaves the frame. By identifying this we can monitor longer IRT videos and extract the thermal imaging data for stress monitoring in a faster manner. The identification of the beginning and end frames, also allows us to get behavioural data such as feeding bout length and feeding frequency which also act as a proxy for perceived stress. This method was developed to simplify the data analysis process of thermal imaging videos and proved to be an effective method with wider applications in behavioural monitoring based on temperature change.