bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized comparison of online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs supportive group sex education to address sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Brotto Lori A , Walker Lauren , Sears Carly , Woo Shannon , Millman Roanne , Zdaniuk Bozena 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexual difficulties and vaginal pain are common following treatment for breast cancer.

Aim
The goal of this study was to evaluate an online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs an online supportive sex education group therapy to address these sexual difficulties.

Methods
Breast cancer survivors (n = 118) were randomized to 1 of the 2 arms; 116 provided informed consent and completed the time 1 assessment. Treatment included 8 weekly 2-hour online group sessions. Those randomized to the mindfulness group completed daily mindfulness exercises, and those in the comparison arm read and completed exercises pertaining to sex education.

Outcomes
Assessments were repeated at posttreatment and 6 months after the completion of the group.

Results
There was a main effect of treatment on primary endpoints of sexual desire, sexual distress, and vaginal pain, with all outcomes showing significant improvements, with no differential impact by treatment arm. Secondary endpoints of interoceptive awareness, mindfulness, and rumination about sex also significantly improved with both treatments, with no group-by-time interaction.

Conclusion
Both mindfulness-based sex therapy and supportive sex education delivered in group format online are effective for improving many facets of sexual function, vaginal pain, rumination, mindfulness, and interoceptive awareness in breast cancer survivors.

Strengths and Limitations
We used a randomized methodology. Future studies should seek to diversify participants.

Clinical Implications
These findings highlight the need to offer similar treatments to more breast cancer survivors immediately after and in the years following cancer treatment as a means of improving survivorship quality of life.
Predicting Functional Consequences of Recent Natural Selection in Britain
Authors: Poyraz Lin , Colbran Laura L , Mathieson Iain 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Ancient DNA can directly reveal the contribution of natural selection to human genomic variation. However, while the analysis of ancient DNA has been successful at identifying genomic signals of selection, inferring the phenotypic consequences of that selection has been more difficult. Most trait-associated variants are noncoding, so we expect that a large proportion of the phenotypic effects of selection will also act through noncoding variation. Since we cannot measure gene expression directly in ancient individuals, we used an approach (Joint-Tissue Imputation [JTI]) developed to predict gene expression from genotype data. We tested for changes in the predicted expression of 17,384 protein coding genes over a time transect of 4,500 years using 91 present-day and 616 ancient individuals from Britain. We identified 28 genes at seven genomic loci with significant (false discovery rate [FDR] &lt; 0.05) changes in predicted expression levels in this time period. We compared the results from our transcriptome-wide scan to a genome-wide scan based on estimating per-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selection coefficients from time series data. At five previously identified loci, our approach allowed us to highlight small numbers of genes with evidence for significant shifts in expression from peaks that in some cases span tens of genes. At two novel loci (SLC44A5 and NUP85), we identify selection on gene expression not captured by scans based on genomic signatures of selection. Finally, we show how classical selection statistics (iHS and SDS) can be combined with JTI models to incorporate functional information into scans that use present-day data alone. These results demonstrate the potential of this type of information to explore both the causes and consequences of natural selection.
Very long-term outcomes of pediatric patients treated for optic pathway gliomas: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Morin Alice , Allodji Rodrigue , Kariyawasam Dulanjalee , Touraine Philippe , Puget Stéphanie , Beccaria Kevin , De Carli Emilie , Kieffer Virginie , Rivollet Sophie , Abbou Samuel , Fayech Chiraz , Souchard Vincent , Dufour Christelle , De Vathaire Florent , Bolle Stéphanie , Grill Jacques , Fresneau Brice 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) represent 5% of childhood brain tumors. Successive relapses lead to multiple treatments exposing to late complications.

Methods
We included patients treated at Gustave Roussy (GR) between January 1980 and December 2015 for OPG, before 18 years old and alive at 5 years from diagnosis. Mortality and physical health conditions data were extracted from medical data files and updated, thanks to the GR long-term follow-up program and French national mortality registry for patients included in the French Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

Results
We included 182 5-year OPG-childhood survivors in the analysis (sex ratio M/F 0.8, 35% with neurofibromatosis type 1 [NF1]). With a median follow-up of 17.2 years (range = 5–41), we registered 82 relapses, 9 second malignancies, and 15 deaths as first events after 5 years, resulting in 20-year conditional overall survival (C-OS) and late events-free survival of 79.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 71–86) and 43.5% (95% CI = 36–51), respectively. Radiotherapy exposure in NF1 patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 6, 95% CI = 1.7–21.2) and hypothalamic involvement (HR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.4–7.3) were significantly associated with C-OS in multivariable analyses. Ninety-five percent of 5-year OPG survivors suffered from any health condition, especially visual acuity “&lt;1/10” (n = 109), pituitary deficiency (n = 106), and neurocognitive impairment (n = 89). NF1 (HR 2.1) was associated with precocious puberty. With a median time post-diagnosis of 4.2 years, 33 cerebrovascular events were observed in 21 patients.

Conclusions
Late relapses, second malignancies, and cerebrovascular diseases are severe late events resulting in premature mortality. Morbidity is high and needs after-cancer care to improve quality of life. Risk factors could be considered to better stratify long-term follow-up.
MicroRNA1432 regulates rice drought stress tolerance by targeting the CALMODULIN-LIKE2 gene
Authors: Luo Guangyu , Li Lin , Yang Xiaoyu , Yu Yu , Gao Lei , Mo Beixin , Chen Xuemei , Liu Lin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Due to climate change, drought has become a major threat to rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and yield worldwide. Understanding the genetic basis of drought tolerance in rice is therefore of great importance. Here, we identified a microRNA, miR1432, which regulates rice drought tolerance by targeting the CALMODULIN-LIKE2 (OsCaML2) gene. Mutation of MIR1432 or suppression of miR1432 expression significantly impaired seed germination and seedling growth under drought-stress conditions. Molecular analysis demonstrated that miR1432 affected rice drought tolerance by directly targeting OsCaML2, which encodes an EF-hand chiral calcium-binding protein. Overexpression of a miR1432-resistant form of OsCaML2 (OEmCaML2) phenocopied the mir1432 mutant and miR1432 suppression plants. Furthermore, the suppression of miR1432 severely affected the expression of genes involved in responses to stimulation, metabolism and signal transduction, especially the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and hormone transduction pathway in rice under drought stress. Thus, our findings show that the miR1432-OsCaML2 module plays an important role in the regulation of rice drought tolerance, suggesting its potential utilization in developing molecular breeding strategies that improve crop drought tolerance.
Woolly mutation with the Get02 locus overcomes the polygenic nature of trichome-based pest resistance in tomato
Authors: Vendemiatti Eloisa , Hernández-De Lira Inty Omar , Snijders Roxane , Torne-Srivastava Tanmayee , Therezan Rodrigo , Simioni Prants Gabriela , Lopez-Ortiz Carlos , Reddy Umesh K , Bleeker Petra , Schenck Craig A , Peres Lázaro Eustáquio Pereira , Benedito Vagner Augusto 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Type-IV glandular trichomes, which only occur in the juvenile developmental phase of the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), produce acylsugars that broadly protect against arthropod herbivory. Previously, we introgressed the capacity to retain type-IV trichomes in the adult phase from the wild tomato, Solanum galapagense, into the cultivated species cv. Micro-Tom (MT). The resulting MT-Galapagos enhanced trichome (MT-Get) introgression line contained 5 loci associated with enhancing the density of type-IV trichomes in adult plants. We genetically dissected MT-Get and obtained a subline containing only the locus on Chromosome 2 (MT-Get02). This genotype displayed about half the density of type-IV trichomes compared to the wild progenitor. However, when we stacked the gain-of-function allele of WOOLLY, which encodes a homeodomain leucine zipper IV transcription factor, Get02/Wo exhibited double the number of type-IV trichomes compared to S. galapagense. This discovery corroborates previous reports positioning WOOLLY as a master regulator of trichome development. Acylsugar levels in Get02/Wo were comparable to the wild progenitor, although the composition of acylsugar types differed, especially regarding fewer types with medium-length acyl chains. Agronomical parameters of Get02/Wo, including yield, were comparable to MT. Pest resistance assays showed enhanced protection against silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), and the fungus Septoria lycopersici. However, resistance levels did not reach those of the wild progenitor, suggesting the specificity of acylsugar types in the pest resistance mechanism. Our findings in trichome-mediated resistance advance the development of robust, naturally resistant tomato varieties, harnessing the potential of natural genetic variation. Moreover, by manipulating only 2 loci, we achieved exceptional results for a highly complex, polygenic trait, such as herbivory resistance in tomato.
ROP GTPases with a geranylgeranylation motif modulate alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Pedenla Bomzan Dikki , Sharma Anuj , Lemos Cruz Pamela , Carqueijeiro Ines , Bellenger Léo , Rai Avanish , Thippesh Akshay Kumar , Chinnegowda Venkatesha S , Parihar Durgesh , Ducos Eric , Courdavault Vincent , Nagegowda Dinesh A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Rho of Plant (ROP) GTPases function as molecular switches that control signaling processes essential for growth, development, and defense. However, their role in specialized metabolism is poorly understood. Previously, we demonstrated that inhibition of protein geranylgeranyl transferase (PGGT-I) negatively impacts the biosynthesis of monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIA) in Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), indicating the involvement of prenylated proteins in signaling. Here, we show through biochemical, molecular, and in planta approaches that specific geranylgeranylated ROPs modulate C. roseus MIA biosynthesis. Among the six C. roseus ROP GTPases (CrROPs), only CrROP3 and CrROP5, having a C-terminal CSIL motif, were specifically prenylated by PGGT-I. Additionally, their transcripts showed higher expression in most parts than other CrROPs. Protein–protein interaction studies revealed that CrROP3 and CrROP5, but not ΔCrROP3, ΔCrROP5, and CrROP2 lacking the CSIL motif, interacted with CrPGGT-I. Further, CrROP3 and CrROP5 exhibited nuclear localization, whereas CrROP2 was localized to the plasma membrane. In planta functional studies revealed that silencing of CrROP3 and CrROP5 negatively affected MIA biosynthesis, while their overexpression upregulated MIA formation. In contrast, silencing and overexpression of CrROP2 had no effect on MIA biosynthesis. Moreover, overexpression of ΔCrROP3 and ΔCrROP5 mutants devoid of sequence coding for the CSIL motif failed to enhance MIA biosynthesis. These results implicate that CrROP3 and CrROP5 have a positive regulatory role on MIA biosynthesis and thus shed light on how geranylgeranylated ROP GTPases mediate the modulation of specialized metabolism in C. roseus.
Unveiling silenced narratives: a scoping review on sexual function challenges in migrant and refugee women
Authors: Mirzaei Damabi Negin , Begum Mumtaz , Avery Jodie C , Padhani Zahra Ali , Lassi Zohra S 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Of the approximately 281 million international migrants and 35.3 million refugees around the world, almost half are women. These individuals experience significant stress due to language barriers, financial difficulties, poor living and working conditions, and discrimination. Consequently, concerns related to sexuality may receive lower priority despite their significant impact on overall well-being.

Objectives
This scoping review aims to review the sexual function of migrant and refugee women and identify any knowledge gaps in the field.

Methods
We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). We searched online databases—Medline, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane—and gray literature, with no restrictions on year of publication, language, or study design. Utilizing Covidence software, 2 authors screened and extracted data from studies based on predetermined eligibility criteria. A thematic analysis was executed, and findings were reported descriptively.

Results
Initially, we identified 5615 studies; after screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, we ultimately included 12 studies. The review identified a limited body of research with various unvalidated tools. Moreover, these studies yielded heterogeneous results: migrant women reported less sexual knowledge, experience, and liberal attitudes, resulting in lower rates of desire and arousal as compared with nonmigrants. Some studies showed lower sexual function in migrants, while others found no significant differences between migrants and nonmigrants. The assimilation into Western cultures may influence migrants’ sexual attitudes and behaviors. Factors such as education and gender role ideology can also significantly affect sexual function among migrant populations.

Conclusion
This review underscores the limitations in previous sexual function research, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach. It also offers valuable insights for codesigning programs to address sexual dysfunction among migrant and refugee women, improving their well-being. Future research should prioritize neglected populations and create culturally sensitive interventions to reduce sexual health disparities in migrants.
Factors Associated With the Maintenance of Cost-effectiveness at Five Years in Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery
Authors: Passias Peter G. , Mir Jamshaid M. , Dave Pooja , Smith Justin S. , Lafage Renaud , Gum Jeffrey , Line Breton G. , Diebo Bassel , Daniels Alan H. , Hamilton David Kojo , Buell Thomas J. , Scheer Justin K. , Eastlack Robert K. , Mullin Jeffrey P. , Mundis Gregory M. , Hosogane Naobumi , Yagi Mitsuru , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Uribe Juan S. , Anand Neel , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Chou Dean , Klineberg Eric O. , Kebaish Khaled M. , Lewis Stephen J. , Gupta Munish C. , Kim Han Jo , Hart Robert A. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Ames Christopher P. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Schwab Frank J. , Lafage Virginie , Hostin Richard A. , Bess Shay , Burton Douglas C. ,   on behalf of the International Spine Study Group
Published: March 2024

Study Design.
Retrospective cohort.

Objective.
To evaluate factors associated with the long-term durability of cost-effectiveness (CE) in ASD patients.

Background.
A substantial increase in costs associated with the surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity (ASD) has given precedence to scrutinize the value and utility it provides.

Methods.
We included 327 operative ASD patients with five-year (5 yr) follow-up. Published methods were used to determine costs based on CMS.gov definitions and were based on the average DRG reimbursement rates. The utility was calculated using quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) utilizing the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) converted to Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D), with a 3% discount applied for its decline in life expectancy. The CE threshold of $150,000 was used for primary analysis.

Results.
Major and minor complication rates were 11% and 47%, respectively, with 26% undergoing reoperation by five years. The mean cost associated with surgery was $91,095±$47,003, with a utility gain of 0.091±0.086 at one years, QALY gained at 2 years of 0.171±0.183, and at five years of 0.42±0.43. The cost per QALY at two years was $414,885, which decreased to $142,058 at five years.
With the threshold of $150,000 for CE, 19% met CE at two years and 56% at five years. In those in which revision was avoided, 87% met cumulative CE till life expectancy. Controlling analysis depicted higher baseline CCI and pelvic tilt (PT) to be the strongest predictors for not maintaining durable CE to five years [CCI OR: 1.821 (1.159–2.862), P=0.009] [PT OR: 1.079 (1.007–1.155), P=0.030].

Conclusions.
Most patients achieved cost-effectiveness after four years postoperatively, with 56% meeting at five years postoperatively. When revision was avoided, 87% of patients met cumulative cost-effectiveness till life expectancy. Mechanical complications were predictive of failure to achieve cost-effectiveness at two years, while comorbidity burden and medical complications were at five years.
N-Acetylcysteine to Reduce Mortality for Patients Requiring Cardiac Catheterization or Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gakuba Clement , Dumitrascu Alexandru-Daniel , Marsan Pierre-Emmanuel , Legallois Damien , Hanouz Jean-Luc , Vivien Denis , Martinez de Lizarrondo Sara , Gauberti Maxime , Cerasuolo Damiano 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
Multimers of von Willebrand factor play a critical role in various processes inducing morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular-risk patients. With the ability to reduce von Willebrand factor multimers, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could reduce mortality in patients undergoing coronary catheterization or cardiac surgery. However, its impact in perioperative period has never been studied so far in regard of its potential cardiovascular benefits. Then, 4 databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that compared in-hospital mortality between an experimental group, with NAC, and a control group without NAC, in patients undergoing coronary catheterization or cardiac surgery. The primary efficacy outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of thrombotic events, major cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, and contrast-induced nephropathy. The safety outcome was occurrence of hemorrhagic events. Nineteen studies totaling 3718 patients were included. Pooled analysis demonstrated a reduction of in-hospital mortality associated with NAC: odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.92; P = 0.02. The occurrence of secondary outcomes was not significantly reduced with NAC except for contrast-induced nephropathy. No difference was reported for hemorrhagic events. Subgroup analyses revealed a life-saving effect of NAC in a dose-dependent manner with reduction of in-hospital mortality for the NAC high-dose group, but not for the NAC standard-dose (<3500-mg) group. In conclusion, without being able to conclude on the nature of the mechanism involved, our review suggests a benefit of NAC in cardiovascular-risk patients in perioperative period in terms of mortality and supports prospective confirmatory studies.
Berberine alleviates concanavalin A–induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice by modulating the gut microbiota
Authors: Yang Hao , Liu Qingqing , Liu Haixia , Kang Xing , Tian Haixia , Kang Yongbo , Li Lin , Yang Xiaodan , Ren Peng , Kuang Xiaoyu , Wang Xiaohui , Guo Linzhi , Tong Mingwei , Ma Jieqiong , Fan Weiping 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated liver disease of unknown etiology accompanied by intestinal dysbiosis and a damaged intestinal barrier. Berberine (BBR) is a traditional antibacterial medicine that has a variety of pharmacological properties. It has been reported that BBR alleviates AIH, but relevant mechanisms remain to be fully explored.

Methods:
BBR was orally administered at doses of 100 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1 for 7 days to mice before concanavalin A–induced AIH model establishment. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence, western blotting, ELISA, 16S rRNA analysis, flow cytometry, real-time quantitative PCR, and fecal microbiota transplantation studies were performed to ascertain BBR effects and mechanisms in AIH mice.

Results:
We found that liver necrosis and apoptosis were decreased upon BBR administration; the levels of serum transaminase, serum lipopolysaccharide, liver proinflammatory factors TNF-α, interferon-γ, IL-1β, and IL-17A, and the proportion of Th17 cells in spleen cells were all reduced, while the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and regulatory T cell proportions were increased. Moreover, BBR treatment increased beneficial and reduced harmful bacteria in the gut. BBR also strengthened ileal barrier function by increasing the expression of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and occludin, thereby blocking lipopolysaccharide translocation, preventing lipopolysaccharide/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/ NF-κB pathway activation, and inhibiting inflammatory factor production in the liver. Fecal microbiota transplantation from BBR to model mice also showed that BBR potentially alleviated AIH by altering the gut microbiota.

Conclusions:
BBR alleviated concanavalin A–induced AIH by modulating the gut microbiota and related immune regulation. These results shed more light on potential BBR therapeutic strategies for AIH.
Clinical Evaluation of the Alinity m STI Multiplex PCR Assay
Authors: Lima Amorce , Uy Dominic , Kostera Joshua , Silbert Suzane 
Published: March 2024

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are routinely tested and reported; however, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States and the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infections is likely higher than estimated. We examined the clinical performance of the Alinity m STI assay for detection and surveillance of CT/NG/TV/MG in urine specimens from patients at a large academic medical center.

Methods
Urine specimen from 198 patients was tested in this evaluation. Alinity m STI and Aptima Combo 2 CT/NG and TV assay (Panther System) results were compared, with discrepant results run on the cobas 6800 CT/NG, TV/MG assays. Analyzer turnaround times, time from loading the specimen on the analyzer to results reporting, were determined for Alinity m and Panther systems.

Results
Overall percent agreements of the Alinity m in comparison with the Aptima and cobas assays for CT, NG, TV, and MG were 99.5% (97.2%, 99.9%), 99.5% (97.2%, 99.9%), 98.4% (95.5%, 99.5%), and 86.4% (66.7%, 95.3), respectively. There were 5 discrepant samples (CT, 1; NG, 1; TV, 3) between the Alinity m and the Aptima assays, and 3 MG discrepant samples between the Alinity m STI and cobas 6800. Two of the 5 Aptima and Alinity m discrepant samples were resolved as they yielded similar results on both Alinity m and cobas 6800. TV and MG infections comprised 54% of the positive samples and were more often asymptomatic than CT and NG infections. Analyzer turnaround time was 3 hours 25 minutes for the Aptima CT/NG, 3 hours 25 minutes for Aptima TV, and 1 hour 55 minutes for Alinity m STI assay.

Conclusions
The Alinity m STI assay allows for fast and simultaneous detection of the 4 major STI pathogens, which can facilitate surveillance and provide accurate results to help clinicians diagnose for initiation of appropriate treatment.