bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What does the scale‐up of long‐acting HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis mean for the global hepatitis B epidemic?
Authors: Mohareb Amir M. , Kouamé Menan Gérard , Nouaman Marcellin , Kim Arthur Y. , Larmarange Joseph , Neilan Anne M. , Lacombe Karine , Freedberg Kenneth A. , Boyd Anders , Coffie Patrick , Hyle Emily P. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) epidemics are interconnected with shared routes of transmission and specific antiviral drugs that are effective against both viruses. Nearly, 300 million people around the world live with chronic HBV, many of whom are from priority populations who could benefit from HIV prevention services. Oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV has implications in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection, but many people at increased risk of HIV acquisition may instead prefer long‐acting formulations of PrEP, which are currently not active against HBV.DiscussionPeople at increased risk for HIV acquisition may also be at risk for or already be living with HBV infection. Oral PrEP with tenofovir is effective in preventing both HIV and HBV, and tenofovir is also the recommended treatment for chronic HBV infection. Although implementation of oral PrEP has been challenging in sub‐Saharan Africa, investments in its scale‐up could secondarily reduce the clinical impact of HBV. Long‐acting PrEP, including injectable medicines and implantable rings, may overcome some of the implementation challenges associated with oral PrEP, such as daily pill burden, adherence challenges and stigma; however, current formulations of long‐acting PrEP do not have activity against HBV replication. Ideally, PrEP programmes would offer both oral and long‐acting formulations with HBV screening to optimize HIV prevention services and HBV prevention and care, when appropriate. People who are not immune to HBV would benefit from being vaccinated against HBV before initiating long‐acting PrEP. People who remain non‐immune to HBV despite vaccination may benefit from being offered oral, tenofovir‐based PrEP given its potential for HBV PrEP. People using PrEP and living with HBV who are not linked to dedicated HBV care would also benefit from laboratory monitoring at PrEP sites to ensure safety when using and after stopping tenofovir. PrEP programmes are ideal venues to offer HBV screening, HBV vaccination for people who are non‐immune and treatment with tenofovir‐based PrEP for people with indications for HBV therapy.ConclusionsLong‐acting PrEP holds promise for reducing HIV incidence, but its implications for the HBV epidemic, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa, should not be overlooked.
Effect of differentiated direct‐to‐pharmacy PrEP refill visits supported with client HIV self‐testing on clinic visit time and early PrEP continuation
Authors: Zewdie Kidist Belay , Ngure Kenneth , Mwangi Margaret , Mwangi Dominic , Maina Simon , Etyang Lydia , Maina Gakuo , Ogello Vallery , Owidi Emmah , Mugo Nelly R. , Baeten Jared M. , Mugwanya Kenneth K. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionDelivery of oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is being scaled up in Africa, but clinic‐level barriers including lengthy clinic visits may threaten client continuation on PrEP.MethodsBetween January 2020 and January 2022, we conducted a quasi‐experimental evaluation of differentiated direct‐to‐pharmacy PrEP refill visits at four public health HIV clinics in Kenya. Two clinics implemented the intervention package, which included direct‐to‐pharmacy for PrEP refill, client HIV self‐testing (HIVST), client navigator, and pharmacist‐led rapid risk assessment and dispensing. Two other clinics with comparable size and client volume served as contemporaneous controls with the usual clinic flow. PrEP continuation was evaluated by visit attendance and pharmacy refill records, and time and motion studies were conducted to determine time spent in the clinics. Dried blood spots were collected to test for tenofovir‐diphosphate (TFV‐DP) at random visits. We used logistic regression to assess the intervention effect on PrEP continuation and the Wilcoxon rank sum test to assess the effect on clinic time.ResultsOverall, 746 clients were enrolled, 366 at control clinics (76 during pre‐implementation and 290 during implementation phase), and 380 at direct‐to‐pharmacy clinics (116 during pre‐implementation and 264 during implementation phase). Prior to implementation, the intervention and control clinics were comparable on client characteristics (female: 51% vs. 47%; median age: 33 vs. 33 years) and PrEP continuation (35% vs. 37% at 1 month, and 37% vs. 39% at 3 months). The intervention reduced total time spent at the clinic by 35% (median of 51 minutes at control vs. 33 minutes at intervention clinics; p<0.001), while time spent on HIV testing (20 vs. 20 minutes; p = 0.50) and pharmacy (8 vs. 8 minutes; p = 0.8) was unchanged. PrEP continuation was higher at intervention versus the control clinics: 45% versus 33% at month 1, 34% versus 25% at month 3 and 23% versus 16% at month 6. TFV‐DP was detected in 85% (61/72) of samples, similar by the study group (83% vs. 85%).ConclusionsA client‐centred PrEP delivery approach with direct‐to‐pharmacy PrEP refill visits plus client HIVST significantly reduced clinic visit time by more than one‐third and improved PrEP continuation in public health HIV clinics in Kenya.
Phase 1 randomized pharmacokinetic and safety study of a 90‐day tenofovir vaginal ring in the United States
Authors: Liu Albert Y. , Gundacker Holly , Richardson Barbra , Chen Beatrice A. , Hoesley Craig , van der Straten Ariane , Brown Amanda , Beamer May , Robinson Jennifer , Jacobson Cindy E. , Scheckter Rachel , Bunge Katherine , Schwartz Jill , Thurman Andrea , Piper Jeanna M. , Marzinke Mark A. ,   the MTN‐038 Protocol Team for the Microbicide Trials Network
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionTenofovir‐based oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis is currently approved for HIV prevention; however, adherence in women has been low. A vaginal gel containing tenofovir (TFV) demonstrated partial protection to HIV but protection was not confirmed in additional studies. Vaginal rings offer user‐controlled long‐acting HIV prevention that could overcome adherence and protection challenges. TFV may also help prevent herpes simplex virus type 2 acquisition when delivered intravaginally. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, adherence and acceptability of a 90‐day TFV ring.MethodsBetween January and June 2019, Microbicide Trials Network (MTN)‐038 enrolled 49 HIV‐negative participants into a phase 1, randomized (2:1) trial comparing a 90‐day ring containing 1.4 grams (g) TFV to a placebo ring. TFV concentrations were quantified in plasma, cervicovaginal fluid (CVF), rectal fluid and cervical tissue, and TFV‐diphosphate (TFV‐DP) in cervical tissue. Used rings were analysed for residual TFV. Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs); acceptability and adherence by self‐report.ResultsMean age was 29.5; 46 identified as cisgender‐female and three gender non‐conforming. There were no differences in the proportion of participants with grade ≥2 genitourinary AEs in the TFV versus placebo arms (p = 0.41); no grade ≥3 AEs were reported. Geometric mean TFV concentrations increased through day 34 in CVF/rectal fluid and day 59 in plasma, but declined across compartments by day 91. Geometric mean TFV‐DP tissue concentrations exceeded the 1000 fmol/mg target through day 56, but fell to 456 fmol/mg at day 91. Among 32 rings returned at the end of the study, 13 had no or low (<0.1 g) residual TFV. Residual TFV did not differ by socio‐demographics, sexual activity, Nugent Score or vaginal microbiota. Most participants reported being fully adherent to ring use: 85% and 81% in the TFV and placebo arms, respectively (p = 1.00). A majority of participants reported liking the ring (median 8 on a 10‐point Likert scale) and reported a high likelihood of using the ring in the future, if effective (median 9).ConclusionsThe 90‐day TFV ring was well‐tolerated, acceptable and exceeded target cervical tissue concentrations through day 56, but declined thereafter. Additional studies are needed to characterize the higher release from TFV rings in some participants and the optimal duration of use.
Sex differences in functional connectivity and the predictive role of the connectome‐based predictive model in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Li Yuqing , Zhu Wanqiu , Zhou Shanshan , Li Hui , Gao Ziwen , Huang Ziang , Li Xiaohu , Yu Yongqiang , Li Xiaoshu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive decline. Sex differences in the progression of AD exist, but the neural mechanisms are not well understood. The purpose of the current study was to explore sex differences in brain functional connectivity (FC) at different stages of AD and their predictive ability on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores using connectome‐based predictive modeling (CPM). Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was collected from 81 AD patients (44 females), 78 amnestic mild cognitive impairment patients (44 females), and 92 healthy controls (50 females). The FC analysis was conducted and the interaction effect between sex and group was investigated using two‐factor variance analysis. The CPM was used to predict MoCA scores. There were sex‐by‐group interaction effects on FC between the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus and left middle temporal gyrus, left precuneus and right calcarine fissure surrounding cortex, left precuneus and left middle occipital gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus and left precentral gyrus, and between the left middle temporal gyrus and right cuneus. In the CPM, the positive network predictive model significantly predicted MoCA scores in both males and females. There were significant sex‐by‐group interaction effects on FC between the left precuneus and left middle occipital gyrus, and between the left middle temporal gyrus and right cuneus could predict MoCA scores in female patients. Our results suggest that there are sex differences in FC at different stages of AD. The sex‐specific FC can further predict MoCA scores at individual level.
Earliest Records of Holocene Cetaceans in the Black Sea
Authors: Aiken Magie , Gladilina Elena , Çakirlar Canan , Telizhenko Serhii , Bejenaru Luminita , Bukhsianidze Maia , Olsen Morten Tange , Gol'din Pavel 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTThe timing of the Holocene transition of the Black Sea from a brackish lake to a marine sea has long been debated. Here, we report on the earliest records of cetaceans in the Black Sea region as a proxy for the connection with the Mediterranean and the transition from a brackish to marine environment. We base our analysis on cetacean skeletal finds and archival data on cetacean skeletal remains from the Bosphorus, the western, northern and eastern Black Sea, and the Kerch Strait. We find that all three contemporary cetacean species in the Black Sea – the harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin and common dolphin – had migrated out of the Mediterranean to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea at least 8000–7000 years ago and reached the northern Black Sea by 5500 years ago at the latest. Our study suggests the establishment of a Mediterranean–Black Sea biogeographical connection for marine vertebrates at least 7000 years ago. The early presence of cetaceans in the Black Sea has implications for understanding its Holocene transition, as well as the evolutionary and ecological history of these species more generally.
Enhancing saltiness perception in bone broth: the additive effect of oil and optimization of sodium‐reduction formula for consumer acceptability
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Cao Xiaoxiao , Zhu Baoqing , Wang Houyin , Zhong Kui , Shi Bolin , Zhao Lei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDExcessive NaCl intake in liquid and semi‐solid food (e.g. soup, hot pot base, sauce) poses a high risk to human health, and reducing NaCl intake is a major concern for global health.RESULTSUsing the generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale (gLMS) method, the study verified the possibility of sodium reduction through oil addition. The compromised acceptance threshold (CAT) and hedonic rejection threshold (HRT) were determined. The gLMS results showed that the saltiness intensity of samples containing 0.36% NaCl and 2.29% sunflower seed oil was significantly higher than that of samples containing only 0.36% NaCl (P < 0.05). CAT and HRT results indicated that by adding 3.59% sunflower oil, the NaCl content could be reduced to a minimum of 0.14% without causing sensory rejection in bone broth samples. The quantitative descriptive analysis method was used to determine the effects of NaCl and oil concentrations on the sensory attributes of bone broth samples. Furthermore, it was used to analyze the consumer acceptability drivers in combination with the hedonic scale to optimize the formulation of reduced‐salt bone broth products. Notably, sample E (0.36% NaCl, 2.29% fat) not only had a significant salt reduction effect with a 20% decrease in NaCl, but also had improved overall acceptability.CONCLUSIONThis study provides theoretical guidance for designing salt‐reduction cuisine within the catering and food industries, including bone broth and hot pot bases. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Changes in chemical components and hepatoprotective effect of redPanax notoginsengprocessed by aspartic acid impregnation treatment
Authors: Cui Ying , Wu Jianfa , Zhang Danli , Li Dan , Zhang Jing , Li Wei , Wang Chongzhi , Yuan Chunsu , Liu Zhi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDRedPanax notoginseng(RPN) is one of the major processed products ofP. notoginseng(PN), with more effective biological activities. However, the traditional processing method of RPN has some disadvantages, such as low conversion rate of ginsenosides and long processing time.RESULTSIn this work, we developed a green, safe, and efficient approach for RPN processing by aspartic acid impregnation pretreatment. Our results showed that the optimized temperature, steaming time, and concentration of aspartic acid were 120 °C, 1 h, and 3% respectively. The original ginsenosides in PN treated by aspartic acid (Asp‐PN) were completely converted to rare saponins at 120 °C within just 1 h. The concentration of the rare ginsenosides in Asp‐PN was two times higher than that in untreated RPN. In addition, we examined the protective effect of RPN and Asp‐PN on acetaminophen‐induced liver injury in a mouse model. The results showed that Asp‐PN has significantly more potent hepatoprotective action than the RPN. The hepatoprotection of Asp‐PN in acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity may be due to its anti‐oxidative stress, anti‐apoptotic, and anti‐inflammatory activities.CONCLUSIONThese results indicated that aspartic acid impregnation pretreatment may provide an effective method to shorten the steaming time, improve the conversion rate of ginsenosides, and enhance hepatoprotective activity of RPN. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Comprehensive evaluation of factors influencing selenium fertilization biofortification
Authors: Huang Ruilin , Bañuelos Gary S. , Zhao Jianrong , Wang Zhangmin , Farooq Muhammad Raza , Yang Yuling , Song Jiaping , Zhang Zezhou , Chen Youtao , Yin Xuebin , Shen Lidong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDDietary selenium (Se) deficiency, stemming from low Se concentrations in agricultural products, threatens human health. While Se‐containing fertilizers can enhance the Se content in crops, the key factors governing Se biofortification with Se fertilization remain unclear.RESULTSThis study constructed a global meta‐analysis dataset based on field experiments comprising 364 entries on Se content in agricultural products and 271 entries on their yield. Random forest models and mixed effects meta‐analyses revealed that plant types (i.e., cereals, vegetables, legumes, and forages) primarily influenced Se biofortification, with Se fertilization rates being the next significant factor. The random forest model, which included variables like plant types, Se fertilization rates, methods and types of Se application, initial soil conditions (including Se content, organic carbon content, and pH), soil types, mean annual precipitation, and temperature, explained 82.14% of the variation in Se content and 48.42% of the yield variation in agricultural products. For the same agricultural products, the increase in Se content decreased with higher rates of Se fertilization. The increase in Se content in their edible parts will be negligible for cereals, forages, legumes, and vegetable crops, when Se fertilization rates were 164, 103, 144, and 147 g Se ha−1, respectively. Conversely, while low Se fertilization rates enhanced yields, high rates led to a yield reduction, particularly in cereals.CONCLUSIONOur findings highlight the need for balanced and precise Se fertilization strategies to optimize Se biofortification benefits and minimize the risk of yield reduction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of cinnamon essential oil/γ‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex on papaya quality and shelf‐life
Authors: Phan Chiuyen , Tran Dinhthinh , Le Khanh , Le Vutruongson , Trinh Ngocdat , Pham Thinga 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDPapaya, a highly nutritious and economically significant fruit, is susceptible to infections caused by phytopathogenic fungi. Cinnamon essential oil, derived from Cinnamomum cassia (CC), shows promise in preserving papaya due to its antifungal properties. However, CC is volatile, sensitive to environmental factors, and carries a strong aroma. γ‐Cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) is known for encapsulating hydrophilic molecules, shielding them from environmental influences, reducing odor, and enabling controlled release due to its unique channel structure. This study aimed to tackle these challenges by preparing and characterizing an inclusion complex of CC with γ‐CD (CC‐γ‐CD), and subsequently evaluating its efficacy in preserving papaya fruits.RESULTSAnalyses, including Fourier‐infrared, powder X‐ray diffraction, thermal gravity analysis, differential scanning calorimeter, and scanning electron microscopy, revealed successful encapsulation of CC components within the γ‐CD cavity. Evaluations of the CC‐γ‐CD complex's impact on papaya fruit shelf life and quality showed notable enhancements. Fruits treated with CC‐γ‐CD inclusion complex at a dose of 10 g kg−1 exhibited a 55% extension in shelf‐life, evidenced by reduced disease severity index compared with untreated fruit in the same storage conditions. Detailed physicochemical and bromatological assessments highlighted significant improvements, particularly in fruit treated with CC‐γ‐CD inclusion complex at a dose of 10 g kg−1.CONCLUSIONThe application of CC‐γ‐CD inclusion complex at 10 g kg−1 extended the shelf‐life of papaya fruit, significantly and markedly improved the overall quality. These findings underscore the potential of the CC‐γ‐CD inclusion complex as an effective preservative for papaya, offering a promising solution for its postharvest management and marketability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Reporting of core outcomes in gastric cancer surgery trials over the past 25 years (systematic review)
Authors: Naqvi Anie , Matias Nadia , Al‐Khaffaf Bilal 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundGastric cancer, a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide, has seen limited improvement in survival over the past 3 decades. Surgical resection is the cornerstone of curative management but the optimal approach remains unclear. Decision‐making is hindered by inconsistent outcome reporting limiting data synthesis between trials. International consensus between healthcare professionals and patients has formed a core outcome set to be reported as a minimum. We appraised outcomes previously reported.MethodsEvidence Based Medicine Reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews of RCTs during years 1995–2021. We searched trial registries for protocols of ongoing and future trials.ResultsNinety‐nine articles from 64 studies and 69 trial protocols were included. No study reported all core outcomes: average reported per trial was 4 (interquartile range: 2). ‘Serious’ adverse events were reported by 98%, completeness of tumour removal by 85% and surgery‐related death by 74%. Outcomes important to patients were reported least: quality of life (22%) and nutritional effects (15%). Defining outcomes and time frames used was variable.ConclusionsCritically important outcomes are poorly reported in the literature and the status has not improved in future trials. Further work is required to improve uptake.
Dendronized Ag/Au Nanomats: Antimicrobial Scaffold for Wound Healing Bandages
Authors: Lasak Magdalena , Nirwan Viraj P. , Kuc‐Ciepluch Dorota , Lysek‐Gladysinska Malgorzata , Javier de la Mata F. , Gomez Rafael , Fahmi Amir , Ciepluch Karol 
Published: March 2024

AbstractElectrospun polymer nanofibers, due to high surface area‐to‐volume ratio, high porosity, good mechanical strength, and ease of functionalization, appear as promising multifunctional materials for biomedical applications. Thanks to their unidirectional structure, imitating the extracellular matrix (ECM), they can be used as scaffolds for cell adhesion and proliferation. In addition, the incorporation of active groups inside nanofiber can give properties for bactericides. The proposed nanomats incorporate nanoparticles templated within the electrospun nanofibers that prevent infections and stimulate tissue regeneration. The generated hybrid electrospun nanofibers are composed of a copolymer of L‐lactide‐block‐ε‐caprolactone (PL‐b‐CL), 70:30, blended with homopolymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and gold (Au) nanoparticles. A low cytotoxicity and slightly increased immunoreactivity, stimulated by the nanomat, are observed. Moreover, the decoration of the hybrid nanomat with dendronized silver nanoparticles (Dend‐Ag) improves their antibacterial activity against antibiotic‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The use of Dend‐Ag for decorating offers several functional effects; namely, it enhances the antibacterial properties of the produced nanomats and induces a significant increase within macrophages’ cytotoxicity. The unidirectional nanostructures of the generated hybrid nanomats demonstrate unique collective physio—chemical and biological properties suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications. Here, the antibacterial properties facilitate an optimal environment, contributing to accelerated wound healing.
Sulfidation behavior of an AlCoCrNiSi high‐entropy alloy
Authors: Smola Grzegorz , Gawel Richard , Grzesik Zbigniew 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHigh‐entropy alloys (HEAs) are promising new materials considered for application in high temperature environments. In this work, the sulfidation behavior of an Al–Co–Cr–Ni–Si HEA at different elevated temperatures and various sulfur vapor partial pressures is investigated. Thermogravimetric studies indicate that the sulfidation kinetics are in accordance with the parabolic rate law. The corrosion rate has a strong temperature dependence, whereas the influence of sulfur vapor pressure is practically nonexistent. Changes in temperature also do not seem to affect the sulfidation mechanism as evidenced by the Arrhenius correlation determined between the obtained parabolic rate constants and temperature. Combined SEM–EDS and XRD studies reveal the formation of a thick multilayer scale on the studied alloy, where the outermost relatively compact part is built of Co0.5NiS2 and CrAl2S4 while the inner, rather porous part also contains metallic inclusions, including Si near the scale/substrate interface.