bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subtle radiographic progression at 6 months can be detected using automated quantitative software in rheumatoid arthritis while receiving tocilizumab
Authors: Okino Taichi , Ou Yafei , Ikebe Masayuki , Furusaki Akira , Sagawa Akira , Kato Masaru , Atsumi Tatsuya , Sutherland Kenneth , Kamishima Tamotsu 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives
We investigated whether our in-house software equipped with partial image phase-only correlation (PIPOC) can detect subtle radiographic joint space narrowing (JSN) progression at 6 months and predict JSN progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving Tocilizumab.

Methods
The study included 39 RA patients who were treated with Tocilizumab. Radiological progression of the finger joints was evaluated according to the Genant-modified Sharp score (GSS) at 0, 6, and 12 months.

Results
The success rate of the software for joint space width (JSW) measurement was 96.8% (449/464). The 0–12-month JSW change by the software was significantly greater in joints with the 0–6-month PIPOC (+) group than the 0–6-month PIPOC (–) group (P &lt; 0.001). The 0–12-month JSW change by the software was 0–12 month GSS (+) than with 0–12 month GSS (–) (P = 0.02). Here, ‘(+)’ indicates the JSN progression during the follow-up period. Linear regression tests showed significant correlations between the 0–6 month and the 0–12 month PIPOC in the left second and third metacarpophalangeal joints (R2 = 0.554 and 0.420, respectively).

Conclusions
Our in-house software equipped with PIPOC could predict subsequent JSN progression with only short-term observations.
Two residues in the DNA binding site of Pif1 helicase are essential for nuclear functions but dispensable for mitochondrial respiratory growth
Authors: Gao Jun , Proffitt David R , Marecki John C , Protacio Reine U , Wahls Wayne P , Byrd Alicia K , Raney Kevin D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Pif1 helicase functions in both the nucleus and mitochondria. Pif1 tightly couples ATP hydrolysis, single-stranded DNA translocation, and duplex DNA unwinding. We investigated two Pif1 variants (F723A and T464A) that have each lost one site of interaction of the protein with the DNA substrate. Both variants exhibit minor reductions in affinity for DNA and ATP hydrolysis but have impaired DNA unwinding activity. However, these variants translocate on single-stranded DNA faster than the wildtype enzyme and can slide on the DNA substrate in an ATP-independent manner. This suggests they have lost their grip on the DNA, interfering with coupling ATP hydrolysis to translocation and unwinding. Yeast expressing these variants have increased gross chromosomal rearrangements, increased telomere length, and can overcome the lethality of dna2Δ, similar to phenotypes of yeast lacking Pif1. However, unlike pif1Δ mutants, they are viable on glycerol containing media and maintain similar mitochondrial DNA copy numbers as Pif1 wildtype. Overall, our data indicate that a tight grip of the trailing edge of the Pif1 enzyme on the DNA couples ATP hydrolysis to DNA translocation and DNA unwinding. This tight grip appears to be essential for the Pif1 nuclear functions tested but is dispensable for mitochondrial respiratory growth.
Effect of C-type lectin 16 on dengue virus infection in Aedes aegypti salivary glands
Authors: Chang Ya-Chen , Liu Wei-Liang , Fang Pai-Hsiang , Li Jian-Chiuan , Liu Kun-Lin , Huang Jau-Ling , Chen Hsin-Wei , Kao Chih-Fei , Chen Chun-Hong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins and an important component of mosquito saliva. Although CTLs play key roles in immune activation and viral pathogenesis, little is known about their role in regulating dengue virus (DENV) infection and transmission. In this study, we established a homozygous CTL16 knockout Aedes aegypti mutant line using CRISPR/Cas9 to study the interaction between CTL16 and viruses in mosquito vectors. Furthermore, mouse experiments were conducted to confirm the transmission of DENV by CTL16−/− A. aegypti mutants. We found that CTL16 was mainly expressed in the medial lobe of the salivary glands (SGs) in female A. aegypti. CTL16 knockout increased DENV replication and accumulation in the SGs of female A. aegypti, suggesting that CTL16 plays an important role in DENV transmission. We also found a reduced expression of immunodeficiency and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway components correlated with increased DENV viral titer, infection rate, and transmission efficiency in the CTL16 mutant strain. The findings of this study provide insights not only for guiding future investigations on the influence of CTLs on immune responses in mosquitoes but also for developing novel mutants that can be used as vector control tools.
A Specific Resistance Gene to Leptosphaeria maculans, Rlm11, Has a Limited Impact on Brassica napus Mycobiota Compared with Plant Compartment or Cropping Season Effects
Authors: Gorse Mathilde , Kerdraon Lydie , Jacques Noémie , Gautier Angélique , Balesdent Marie-Hélène , Laval Valérie 
Published: May 2024

One important ecological question regarding the use of plant resistance genes against fungal pathogens concerns whether and how such resistance genes may modify pathogenic or beneficial members of the plant-associated microbiota. We studied the impact of a plant resistance gene by analyzing the mycobiota associated with Brassica napus organs over two cropping seasons. Sampling dates coincided with key stages of the life cycle of the B. napus pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans. Leaf samples were collected at three time points in autumn and spring, and stem base samples were collected at two time points a few weeks before and at harvest. Stem residues, where L. maculans survives in the intercropping season and develops sexual reproduction, were also analyzed at four time points between the two cropping seasons. The sampling was performed on two plant genotypes, Darmor and Darmor- Rlm11, only differing by the effective resistance gene against L. maculans, Rlm11. Altogether, 419 samples were analyzed using two barcode: internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and Actin. The plant organ was shown to be the main mycobiota structuring factor, as clear-cut alternation of the species suggested that each plant organ represented a specific ecological niche. The cropping season and plant genotype also significantly influenced the community structure in lower proportions. The resistance gene contributed differently to the community structure depending on the year and the organ concerned. A significant but low impact of Rlm11 on other B. napus fungal pathogens was detected. The ITS and Actin barcodes showed similar results, but the species assignation was limited for the latter.
Susceptibility to recombinant SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein entry in the lungs of high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Gotoh Koro , Satoh Fumiko , Uesugi Honami , Noguchi Takaaki , Matsuda Naoki , Sada Kentaro , Miyamoto Shotaro , Ozeki Yoshinori , Yoshida Yuichi , Okamoto Mitsuhiro , Masaki Takayuki , Kawabe Toshiaki , Shibata Hirotaka 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of COVID‐19. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an essential receptor for cell entry of SARS‐CoV‐2. The receptor‐binding domain of the S1 subunit (S1‐RBD protein) in the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein binds to ACE2 on host cells, through which the virus enters several organs, including the lungs. Considering these findings, recombinant ACE2 might be utilized as a decoy protein to attenuate SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Here, we examined whether obesity increases ACE2 expression in the lungs and whether recombinant ACE2 administration diminishes the entry of S1‐RBD protein into lung cells. We observed that high‐fat diet‐induced obesity promoted ACE2 expression in the lungs by increasing serum levels of LPS derived from the intestine. S1‐RBD protein entered the lungs specifically through ACE2 expressed in host lungs and that the administration of recombinant ACE2 attenuated this entry. We conclude that obesity makes hosts susceptible to recombinant SARS‐CoV‐2 spike proteins due to elevated ACE2 expression in lungs, and this model of administering S1‐RBD protein can be applied to new COVID‐19 treatments.
Patterns of Use of Endocrine and Hormonal Therapy in Patients with Gender Dysphoria [ID 2683388]
Authors: Wright Jason D. , Parikh Esha , Huang Yongmei 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Gender dysphoria (GD) is the emotional distress experienced by transgender individuals. While hormonal and endocrine therapy has been shown to improve outcomes, there is a paucity of data assessing patterns of use. The objective of our study was to determine trends in use of therapy in patients with GD.

METHODS:
We utilized the MarketScan Research Databases to identify patients aged 18–64 years with GD from 2008 to 2021. Use of guideline-recommended hormonal therapy including testosterone for transgender males and estradiol, spironolactone, and GnRH agonists for transgender females was examined. Patients were included if they had at least one full year of continuous insurance and drug enrollment. The utilization rate of each agent for each given year and duration of the first hormonal treatment were examined.

RESULTS:
A total of 36,847 patients were identified. The cohort included 18,195 (49.4%) patients with self-reported gender as male, and 18,652 (50.6%) as female. Overall, 61.0% of the cohort used hormonal therapy including estradiol in 33.4%, spironolactone in 27.3%, testosterone in 25.7%, and GnRH agonists in 0.3%. Use of hormonal therapy increased in more recent years of the study. Overall, hormonal therapy was used in 55.9% of those aged 18–24 years, 64.3% of those 25–34 years, 66.8% of patients 35–44 years, 64.2% of those 45–54 years, and in 61.5% of patients aged 55–64 years.

CONCLUSION:
The use of endocrine and hormonal therapy among transgender individuals is substantial and has increased over the last decade.
An Analysis of Discourse Surrounding Oral Contraceptives on TikTok [ID 2683389]
Authors: Repetto Mayra , Horvath Anna , Sanders Maggie , Fernandez Stephanie , Shackleford Melanie , Free Leanne L. 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
The lack of comprehensive sex education in U.S. secondary schools has created large knowledge gaps in reproductive health, leading many adolescents and young adults to turn to social media platforms, such as TikTok, for information about contraception. This cross-sectional study aims to provide a descriptive content analysis of the quality and reliability of oral contraceptive health information on TikTok.

METHODS:
One thousand TikTok videos listed under various search terms related to oral contraceptives were screened. Data including engagement metrics such as views, likes, comments, saves, and shares were recorded. Video content, including contraceptive methods discussed, efficacy, tolerability, and side effects, was recorded. Two reviewers independently used a modified DISCERN criteria and Global Quality Scale (GQS) to assess the quality and reliability of information for each video. According to the IRB, this project has been approved and exempt from further review.

RESULTS:
Five hundred seventy-four videos were analyzed after applying exclusion criteria. Videos had a median length of 27 seconds and received a median of 166 views per day. Video creators were 83.3% female and 58.7% White. 49.8% of videos discussed adverse effects, whereas only 27.5% discussed positive effects. The mean modified DISCERN score was 1.63±1.062 and the mean GQS score was 2.28±1.374. Health care professionals had significantly higher DISCERN and GQS scores than non-health care professionals; however, they received fewer views and likes on their videos (P<.001).

CONCLUSION:
TikTok videos related to oral contraceptive health had low quality and reliability of information. The majority of videos were made by non-health care providers, and the most common topic discussed was adverse effects of contraception. Videos made by health care professionals contained more reliable contraceptive information but received less engagement than videos made by non-health care professionals. Health care providers should consider the prevalence of poor quality information about oral contraceptives on social media when counseling and educating patients about reproductive health.
Mind the Gap: Estrogen Receptor-β in Astrocytes Is a Therapeutic Target to Prevent Cognitive Problems at Menopause [ID 2683385]
Authors: Voskuhl Rhonda R. , Itoh Noriko , Itoh Yuichiro , Meyer Cassandra E. , Golden Lisa , MacKenzie-Graham Allan J. 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Menopause entails cognitive deficits and brain atrophy, but the brain region and cell-specific mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS:
Aging female mice were examined for cognitive deficits, hippocampal atrophy by MRI, and neuropathology.

RESULTS:
A sex hormone by age interaction was discovered. Loss of ovarian hormones in female mice at midlife, but not young age, induced hippocampal-dependent cognitive impairment, dorsal hippocampal atrophy, and glial activation with synaptic loss. Deletion of estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) in astrocytes, but not neurons, in gonadally intact females recapitulated these effects. RNA sequencing and pathway analyses of gene expression in hippocampal astrocytes from midlife female astrocyte-ERβ conditional knockout (cKO) mice revealed Gluconeogenesis I and Glycolysis I as the most differentially expressed pathways. Enolase 1 gene expression was increased in hippocampi from astrocyte-ERβ cKO at midlife and postmenopausal women. ERβ ligand treatment at midlife reversed dorsal hippocampal neuropathology.

CONCLUSION:
Estrogen receptor-β in hippocampal astrocytes modulates cognitive function in mid-age female mice.
24-Hour Compared With 12-Hour Mifepristone–Misoprostol Interval for Second-Trimester Abortion: A Randomized Controlled Trial [ID 2683386]
Authors: Meyer Raanan , Toussia-Cohen Shlomi , Shats Maya , Segal Omri , Blumenthal Paul D. , Mashiach Roy 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
We aimed to compare 24- and 12-hour mifepristone to misoprostol intervals for second-trimester medical abortion.

METHODS:
This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Women were allocated to receive mifepristone either 24 or 12 hours before misoprostol administration. The primary outcome was time from mifepristone administration to fetal expulsion and from first misoprostol administration to fetal expulsion.

RESULTS:
Eighty women were enrolled between July 2020 and June 2023, 40 women per group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Median time from mifepristone to fetal expulsion was 33.0 and 24.5 hours in the 24- and 12-hour interval groups, respectively (P<.001). Median time from first misoprostol dose to fetal expulsion was 9.5 and 12.5 hours in the 24- and 12-hour interval arms, respectively (P=.028). At 12 hours from misoprostol administration, 25 (62.5%) and 18 (45.0%) of women in the 24- and 12-hour arms completed abortion (P=.178). At 24 hours from misoprostol administration, 36 (90.0%) and 30 (75.0%) in the 24- and 12-hour arms had complete abortion (P=.139). Need for additional medical and/or surgical treatment for uterine evacuation were comparable between groups. Pain scores, side effects, and satisfaction levels were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION:
A 12-hour mifepristone-to-misoprostol regimen for medical abortion in the second trimester provides an 8.5-hour shorter mifepristone-to-fetal-expulsion rate compared with the 24-hour interval. However, misoprostol-to-fetal-expulsion time is 3 hours longer in the 12-hour interval regimen. Medical regimen success rate, side effects, and satisfaction levels are also similar. These findings can aid in shared decision-making prior to medical abortion in the second trimester.
Effect of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health on Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Applicants [ID 2683390]
Authors: Frame Brianna , Vrooman Hannah , Beckham Aileen J. 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Abortion restrictions affect not only provision of abortion care but also experience for trainees. Data from the 2023 match showed a decrease in obstetrics and gynecology residency applications in restrictive states. Our national survey of medical students applying to obstetrics and gynecology residency sought to assess the effects of the Dobbs decision on their application process.

METHODS:
Medical students who applied to obstetrics and gynecology residency for the 2023 match were surveyed via an electronic questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used. Institutional review board waiver was granted.

RESULTS:
One hundred seventy-eight students, from 39 different states, completed the survey. The average age was 27.8 years, and the majority identified as women (89%) and White (80.9%). The majority (72.7%) of respondents reported that the Dobbs decision influenced which residency programs they applied to, and of those, 96.9% report that they applied to programs in states with fewer abortion restrictions. Similarly, 66.5% reported that the decision influenced their rank list, and of those, 98.3% report they ranked programs in states that are less restrictive on abortion services higher.

CONCLUSION:
Access to abortion training was identified as important to a majority of survey respondents. Students reported applying to states with less abortion restrictions and that access to abortion training influenced their rank list. Prior studies have surveyed third- and fourth-year students about predicted effects of the Dobbs decision on residency applications. This is the first to assess perspectives among students who completed the residency application process.
Microbiome Knowledge in the General Community [ID 2683664]
Authors: Pisciotti Alexa K. , Bachmann Gloria A. , Phillips Nancy , Rocktashel Maria 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
The Human Microbiome Project (2007–2016) has contributed to the characterization of the microbiome and its relationship to health and disease processes. This information is only beginning to be fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the general knowledge about the microbiome in the lay population.

METHODS:
A five-question survey was administered to the general population who attended Rutgers Day 2023, an informational open house showcasing the activities of Rutgers University. The survey was distributed by our study personnel.

RESULTS:
A total of 148 useable surveys were collected. We found that 73% of respondents had heard of the microbiome. Respondents were most aware of the gut microbiome (95.2%), followed by skin (51.4%), mouth (48.6%), and nose (45.9%). Respondents recognized microbiome altering factors as follows: dietary effects (89.2%), antibiotics (79.7%), exercise (60.8%), soap (42.6%), and pets (39.2%). Relationship to disease states was recognized for weight (83.1%), diabetes (72.0%), and heart disease (62.8%). Almost 20% of respondents took a probiotic, most often for gut health. However, 8.8% felt the microbiome influenced hair and eye color, and 13.5% thought it was influenced by music.

CONCLUSION:
This brief survey confirmed that there is a general awareness of the microbiome in the lay population, but a deficit of knowledge in many areas. Despite this, almost one in five respondents used a probiotic. As further microbiome research and its ability to affect disease becomes available, accurate and evidence-based information needs to be distributed to the community.
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and COVID-19 Vaccine Skepticism: A Global Assessment [ID 2683475]
Authors: Dye Timothy D. , Eckert Cody , Levandowski Brooke A. , Farovitch Lorne , Alcántara Lisette , Pressman Eva K. 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
The effect of sexual orientation (SO) and gender identity (GI) on pandemic-related behaviors is poorly understood, with conflicting prevention adherence in communities. We sought to delineate how SOGI relates to COVID vaccine skepticism to understand sexual orientation’s effect on COVID risks.

METHODS:
This analytical cross-sectional study in seven languages examined SOGI and COVID-19 vaccine skepticism in 158 countries. SO was the primary independent variable, with 4,360 people self-identifying as heterosexual, lesbian/gay, bisexual, queer, or another SO. Primary outcome was a summative scale of six four-point Likert-scale questions ascertaining COVID-19 vaccine skepticism (VSS; range: 0–18). Multivariate logistic regression rendered adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs. Our IRB determined that STUDY00004825 met federal/university criteria for exemption.

RESULTS:
Heterosexual men had the highest mean VSS (mVSS: 7.6; 95% CI, 7.3, 7.9), significantly higher than heterosexual women (mVSS: 6.7; 6.5, 6.9), lesbian women (mVSS: 4.8; 3.2, 6.4), and gay men (mVSS: 4.6; 3.5, 5.7). mVSS for people identifying as bisexual was 5.4 (95% CI, 4.9, 6.1), as queer was 4.5 (3.3, 5.7), and as another SO was 5.8 (4.8, 6.8). Adjusting psychosocial factors, social media use, perceived oppression, science/health care attitudes, geography, and gender, heterosexuals (aOR 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5, 4.5) and bisexuals (aOR 2.9; 1.4, 5.8) were significantly more likely to have VSS over mean than did lesbians/gays.

CONCLUSION:
Those with lesbian/gay SO were significantly less likely than those of other SOs to be skeptical of the COVID vaccine, even after controlling for important confounders, including gender. Better understanding dynamics in lesbian/gay communities that promote lower vaccine skepticism could help generate novel public health strategies for the LGBTQ+ and other communities.
ACE Scores and STI Rates Among Pregnant and Postpartum Persons at a University Hospital [ID 2683476]
Authors: Dutra Karley , Lazenby Gweneth B. , Moore Miyonta (Tay) 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased across the United States. Universal screening for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis is recommended each pregnancy. Risk-based screening is recommended for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) quantify exposure to adverse events at age less than 18 years and are associated with risky sexual behavior. Little is known about ACEs and risk of STIs. Risk-based STI screening utilizing ACE score has the potential to improve STI diagnosis and treatment in pregnancy.

METHODS:
This is a retrospective observational cohort study of pregnant and postpartum persons who underwent ACE scoring from 2015 to 2019. High ACE score was greater than or equal to 4. Using bivariate analyses, we compared percentages of individuals with high versus low ACE scores. We used logistic regression to determine factors associated with cervicitis (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and/or trichomonas positive) and any STI positive (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, HIV, syphilis, and/or HSV positive).

RESULTS:
Adverse childhood experience scores were available for 808 participants. 44% had Medicaid/no insurance. 71% reported White race, 28% Black, and 1.7% other. Mean ACE score was 2.9 (SD 2.5); 37% (n=300) had high ACE score. High ACE was associated with cervicitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.762; 95% CI, 0.886–3.503) and any STI positive (aOR 1.187; 95% CI, 0.776–1.815), but not significant.

CONCLUSION:
Persons with high ACE scores were not more likely to have cervicitis or any STI positivity despite previous studies demonstrating an association to risky sexual behaviors. Our small sample size may contribute to the lack of a statistically significant association. More research is needed to determine if ACE score can be utilized in risk-based STI screening.