bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake and risks of severe COVID-19 disease among people prescribed opioid agonist therapy in Scotland
Authors: Yeung Alan , Wilkinson Max , Bishop Jen , Taylor Bob , Palmateer Norah , Barnsdale Lee , Lang Jaroslaw , Cameron Claire , McCormick Duncan , Clusker Tracey , McAuley Andrew , Hutchinson Sharon 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThere is limited evidence quantifying the risk of severe COVID-19 disease among people with opioid dependence. We examined vaccine uptake and severe disease (admission to critical care or death with COVID-19) among individuals prescribed opioid agonist therapy (OAT).MethodA case–control design was used to examine vaccine uptake in those prescribed OAT compared with the general population, and the association between severe disease and OAT. In both analyses, 10 controls from the general population were matched (to each OAT recipient and COVID-19 case, respectively) according to socio-demographic factors. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate rate ratios (RR) for severe disease.ResultsVaccine uptake was markedly lower in the OAT cohort (dose 1: 67%, dose 2: 53% and dose 3: 31%) compared with matched controls (76%, 72% and 57%, respectively). Those prescribed OAT within the last 5 years, compared with those not prescribed, had increased risk of severe COVID-19 (RR 3.38, 95% CI 2.75 to 4.15), particularly in the fourth wave (RR 6.58, 95% CI 4.20 to 10.32); adjustment for comorbidity and vaccine status attenuated this risk (adjusted RR (aRR) 2.43, 95% CI 1.95 to 3.02; wave 4 aRR 3.78, 95% CI 2.30 to 6.20). Increased risk was also observed for those prescribed OAT previously (>3 months ago) compared with recently (aRR 1.74, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.71).ConclusionsThe widening gap in vaccine coverage for those prescribed OAT, compared with the general population, is likely to have exacerbated the risk of severe COVID-19 in this population over the pandemic. However, continued OAT use may have provided protection from severe COVID-19 among those with opioid dependence.
Chloroplast genome of Ecbolium viride (Forssk.) Alston: plastome evolution and phylogenomics of Justiceae (Acanthaceae, Acanthoideae)
Authors: Yaradua Samaila Samaila , Yessoufou Kowiyou 
Published: April 2024

Justicieae is the most taxonomically complex tribe in Acanthaceae. Here, we sequenced the plastome of Ecbolium viride, a medicinally important species. The genome was analyzed with previously reported plastome of Justiceae. The plastome of E. viride has quadripartite structure with a length of 151 185 bp. The comparative genomic analyses revealed no structural inversion in Justiceae and some regions ( rpoC2, ycf2, ycf1, ndhH rps16-trnQ-UGG, and trnL-CAA-ycf15) exhibiting a significant level of nucleotide divergence. The positive selection analyses revealed that some species in the tribe have undergone adaptive evolution. The visualization of the boundaries between the single copy and inverted repeat regions revealed that Justiceae chloroplast genome experienced some levels of variation, which give an insight into the evolution of the species. The longest genome was in the earliest diverged taxa of the tribe Pseuderanthemum haikangense and from this genome, a series of contraction and expansion occurred contributing to the evolution of other lineages. The plastome-based phylogeny revealed and confirmed the monophyly of Justiceae, polyphyly of Justicia and supported the tribal classification Graptophyllinae, Tetrameriinae, and Isoglossinae. We proposed that Declipterinae should be treated as subtribe and the status of Justiciinae can only be confirmed after the resolution of the polyphyletic Justicia.
Inhibition of NEK2 Promotes Chemosensitivity and Reduces KSHV-positive Primary Effusion Lymphoma Burden
Authors: White Maria C. , Wong Jason P. , Damania Blossom 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Non–Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a common cancer in both men and women and represents a significant cancer burden worldwide. Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a subtype of NHL infected with Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV). PEL is an aggressive and lethal cancer with no current standard of care, owing largely to its propensity to develop resistance to current chemotherapeutic regimens. Here, we report a reliance of KSHV-positive PEL on the mitotic kinase, NEK2, for survival. Inhibition of NEK2 with the inhibitor, JH295, resulted in caspase 3–mediated apoptotic cell death of PEL. Furthermore, NEK2 inhibition significantly prolonged survival and reduced tumor burden in a PEL mouse model. We also demonstrate that the ABC transporter proteins, MDR1 and MRP, are most active in PEL and that inhibition of NEK2 in PEL reduced the expression and activity of these ABC transporter proteins, which are known to mediate drug resistance in cancer. Finally, we report that JH295 treatment sensitized lymphomas to other chemotherapeutic agents such as rapamycin, resulting in enhanced cancer cell death. Overall, these data offer important insight into the mechanisms underlying PEL survival and drug resistance, and suggest that NEK2 is a viable therapeutic target for PEL.

Significance:
The mitotic kinase, NEK2, is important for the survival of KSHV-positive PEL. NEK2 inhibition resulted in PEL apoptosis and reduced tumor burden in a mouse model. NEK2 inhibition also reduced drug resistance.
Poéticas andinas: Willanakuy willanakuy kasqan, Cuento es cuento
Authors: Espino Relucé Gonzalo 
Published: April 2024

Este texto se ubica dentro de lo que se conoce como epistemologías del Sur. El enunciado básico que trabajaré será: las formas discursivas andinas están plegadas a la cosmovisión andina. La narración en los Andes está asociada a la manera como la gente concibe y vive su cotidianidad y la expresa como poética andina. La comprensión de esta supone cuatro aspectos mutuamente relacionados: (1) los relatos orales aparecen soldados a la comprensión del ser cultural andino; (2) la naturaleza distintiva del relato corresponde a la dimensión de un discurso que se justifica como ejercicio de la palabra; (3) las estrategias propias del relato andino quechua (aymara o en castellano andino) enmarcan la situación del relato (un tiempo narrativo –sqa– y una manera de validar lo que se dice –s ~ –si; (4) la palabra viene acompañada de un conjunto de lenguajes que hacen posible su realización. La voz no es posible si no va acompañada del cuerpo. En nuestro artículo apelaremos a relatos que actualmente se escuchan y que provienen de la lengua quechua, aymara y del castellano andino.
Salivary testosterone changes during oral glucose tolerance tests in overweight and obese men – Postprandial or circadian variation?
Authors: Fenn Jonathan , Gill Henry , Starbrook Lauren , Ford Loretta , Sharrod-Cole Hayley , Kalaria Tejas , Ford Clare , Gama Rousseau 
Published: April 2024

Background Serum total testosterone (T) decreases postprandially. Postprandial salivary testosterone (SalT) responses, however, have not been studied. We report on the effect of glucose ingestion on fasting SalT concentrations. Objective To investigate the effect of oral glucose ingestion on fasting SalT. Methods Salivary and blood samples were collected between 09.00 and 09.30 and 2 hours after a 75g oral glucose load in 32 men with mean (standard deviation) age of 52 (5.7) years and body mass index of 32.6 (5.56) kg/m2. Free T and bioavailable testosterone (BAT) were calculated using the Vermeulen equation. Results Two hours following oral glucose, there was a decrease in fasting mean (standard deviation) SalT [178.2 (56.6) versus 146.0 (42.2) pmol/L; P = .0003], serum cortisol [332 (105.0) versus 239 (75.3) nmol/L; P = <0.0001], prolactin [193 (75.0) versus 127 (55.9) mIU/L; P = <0.0001] and TSH [1.60 (0.801) versus 1.16 (0.584) mIU/L; P = <0.0001]. Plasma glucose increased [6.2 (0.72) versus 8.1 (3.71) mmol/L; P = .0029]. Serum total T, SHBG, albumin, Free T, BAT, gonadotrophins and FT4 remained unchanged. Conclusions SalT decreased postprandially. A concomitant decrease in serum cortisol, prolactin and TSH reflecting diurnal variation offers an alternative explanation for the decrease in SalT independent of food consumption. Further studies are required to determine whether morning temporal changes in SalT are related to food consumption or circadian rhythm or both.
Gendered Anti-Blackness: Policing Black Women and the Making of the Modern City
Authors: Ervin Keona K. 
Published: April 2024

The Streets Belong to Us makes a significant contribution to multiple fields, most principally the history of race, gender, sexuality, incarceration, and state violence in the United States. It is a definitive history of the changing nature of police power, and the ways that it defined, defended, and enforced the logics that undergirded racial segregation. Illuminating the significant degree to which urban policymaking and planning depended on state violence, Anne Fischer compels us to better appreciate the relation between the making and the remaking of the modern city and the consolidation of police power. To do so, we must see that this connection was made possible through the surveillance, harassment, and sexual criminalization of Black women. Women’s bodies, particularly Black women’s bodies, acted as the constitutive material that made up the very fabric of state power and racial segregation. Along with presenting an analysis of the racial and gendered dimensions of morals law enforcement, The Streets Belong to Us moves Black women out of the shadows of urban history by grounding the analysis within the intellectual production by Black feminist organizers and scholars. Their concept of gendered anti-Blackness proved indispensable to feminist antiviolence struggles of the late twentieth century.
The power of art and the powers of adolescents with cancer: Age-specific projects at Italian pediatric oncology centers
Authors: Ferrari Andrea , Perillo Teresa , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Silva Matteo , Rutigliano Chiara , Salvo Andrea , Livellara Virginia , Conte Massimo , Coccoli Luca , Amore Elena , Pierobon Marta , Vietina Francesco , Pagani Bagliacca Elena , Spinelli Marco , Massei Maria Speranza , Massetti Valentina , Legnani Elena , Puglisi Ilaria , Zucchetti Giulia , Quarello Paola 
Published: April 2024

This article describes the oncology programs developed in Italy for adolescents and young adults with cancer, with a specific focus on the local projects created in pediatric oncology centers. A common feature of such projects is the emphasis on creative and artistic activities and laboratories (involving music, photography, novel writing, fashion design, and so on) designed to give young patients innovative means of expression. This article highlights the amazing powers of adolescents involved in these projects: the power to produce beautiful things in a place that is not normally associated with the idea of beauty; the power to make their doctors smile and grasp the profound sense of life; the power to make hospitals become places for producing culture.
Cimetidine repurposed as a potential immunomodulatory agent against colorectal carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Gunasekara WWM , Sachindra JLAA , Madhushika MT , Liyanage PLGC , Lekamwasam S 
Published: April 2024

Objective To determine the survival benefit and immunomodulatory effects of cimetidine pre-, peri- or post-operatively in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane Library to retrieve randomized control trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of cimetidine on survival and immunomodulation via improvement in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and peripheral blood lymphocytes. The review was carried out in accordance with the extended Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. Results Four studies with the total of 267 patients were included in this systematic review. Treatment duration varied from 5 days to 1 year. Two studies reported a significant TIL response in the resected specimens after administering cimetidine, while one RCT showed an escalation of CD3, CD4 and CD57 lymphocytes in peripheral blood compared to the baseline following cimetidine treatment ( p < 0.01). Of the three trials that examined the effects of cimetidine on survival, only two studies revealed significant survival benefit while the remaining study only showed a trend towards survival benefit. Conclusion Repurposing of existing drugs like cimetidine has a potential to offer a survival benefit by acting as an immunomodulatory agent in patients undergoing curative resection for CRC. However, the heterogeneity seen in current studies and the evolvement of adjunctive therapies for CRC warrant large-scale, well-designed prospective RCTs to establish the efficacy of cimetidine in CRC.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Associated Factors Among High School Students in Shinshicho Town, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tadewos Desta , Tadesse Sebsibe , Ejajo Tekle , Tadesse Tegegn 
Published: April 2024

Background: Early identification of people living with hepatitis B virus infection is required to initiate treatment and care, prevent community transmission, and expand vaccination. However, only an estimated 10% of people living with chronic hepatitis B infection are diagnosed, and only 2% are on treatment globally. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and its associated factors among high school students in Shinshicho Town, southern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 high school students in Shinshicho Town, southern Ethiopia, from September to October 2022. A laboratory investigation of hepatitis B surface antigen was done to determine infection status. An odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among high school students in Shinshicho town was observed to be 7.6% (95% CI: 5.5, 10.5%). Age 20 to 24 years [AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: (1.0-7.0)], rural residence [AOR: 3.4; 95% CI: (1.3-8.9)], and history of unprotected drug injection [AOR: 11.3; 95% CI: (3.7-34.8)] were independently associated with hepatitis B virus infection. Conclusion: A high prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was observed among high school students in this study. Therefore, strengthening the school-based screen-and-treat program, especially targeting students from rural areas and young adults, and conducting awareness campaigns about the importance of practicing safe behaviors, such as avoiding unprotected drug injections, could contribute to the prevention and control of hepatitis B virus infection among high school students.
Management of groin hernia repair in Sweden: A register-based comparative analysis of public and private healthcare providers
Authors: Hemberg Anders , Landén Jakob , Montgomery Agneta , Holmberg Henrik , Nordin Pär 
Published: April 2024

Background: Swedish healthcare is in a period of transition with an expanding private sector. This study compares quality of outcome after groin hernia repair performed in a public or private healthcare setting. Methods: A cohort study based on data from the Swedish National Hernia Register combined with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) 1 year after groin hernia repair. Between September 2012 and December 2018, a questionnaire was sent to all patients registered in the hernia register 1 year after surgery. Endpoints were reoperation for recurrence, chronic pain, and patient satisfaction. Results: From a total of 87,650 patients with unilateral groin hernia repair, 61,337 PROM answers (70%) were received from 71 public and 28 private healthcare providers. More females, acute and recurrent cases, and patients with high American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores were operated under the national healthcare system. The private sector had more experience surgeons with higher annual volume per surgeon, shorter time on waiting lists, and shorter operation times. No difference was seen in patient satisfaction. Groin hernia repair performed in a private clinic was associated with less postoperative chronic pain (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.8–0.91) but a higher recurrence rate (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.26–1.59) in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Despite private clinics having a higher proportion of experienced surgeons and fewer complex cases, the recurrence rate was higher, whereas the risk for chronic postoperative pain was higher among patients treated in the public sector.
High-resolution ultrasound of thyroglossal cysts with special emphasis on the detection of cystic portions above the hyoid within the tongue base
Authors: Podzimek Jiri , Fruth Kai , Jecker Peter 
Published: April 2024

Background: Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) within the tongue base represent a challenge for the surgeon and are often the cause of recurrence. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate diagnostic performance of high-resolution ultrasound in TGDCs within the tongue base, compared to intraoperative findings. Furthermore, accuracy with which the detection of thyroid tissue in parts of the thyroglossal duct cyst was possible was investigated. Methods: A total of 50 patients with TGDCs were examined by high-resolution ultrasound. Every thyroglossal cystic lesion was examined for the presence of solid thyroid tissue with colour-coded duplex sonography and evaluated according to American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines. Ultimately, 45 of the 50 patients underwent surgery (Sistrunk procedure). Results: In 38/50 patients (76%), TGDCs were seen in their typical distal location inferior to the hyoid. Four patients (8%) had the thyroglossal duct cyst superior and inferior to the hyoid. The TGDC remnants only in the tongue base were recognised in 16% of cases (8 patients). Histological specimens revealed thyroid tissue within the TGDCs in 23 of the 45 patients (49%). Thyroid tissue was diagnosed preoperatively in 15 patients (65%) X2(1, N = 23) = 2.13, p = 0.144. One patient exhibited suspicious features for thyroid cancer, which was confirmed histologically as papillary thyroid carcinoma. Conclusion: High-resolution ultrasound represents quick, safe and reliable imaging for TGDCs on both sides of the hyoid bone (inferior and superior) with an impact on surgical planning. Furthermore, thyroid tissue within TGDCs can be revealed preoperatively and assessed for suspicious features.
Benchmarking Relevance for Hospital Design and Planning: An International Web-Based Survey
Authors: Silja Viergutz Hannah-Kathrin , Cambra-Rufino Laura , Apple Michael , Heithoff Abigail , Lindahl Goran , Capolongo Stefano , Brambilla Andrea 
Published: April 2024

Objective: The study aims to investigate what design practitioners and healthcare facility managers deem as important benchmarking metrics worldwide, investigating country differences in benchmarking usage and which metrics are prioritized. Background: Benchmarking is a regular practice in the healthcare sector, both for clinical and managerial aspects to compare, measure, and improve standardized processes. However, limited knowledge is available about benchmarking procedures in hospital planning, design, and construction. Methods: A web-based survey was designed, revised, and pilot-tested in five countries; it was adjusted according to local experts’ suggestions and submitted globally via SoSci multilingual platform to persons involved in hospital design, research, construction, and facility management. It was composed of closed questions on 5-point Likert-type scale ranking frequency or importance and open-ended questions divided into six sections. Two hundred and eighty full responses have been collected. Statistical analysis was performed via PowerBI and R-Studio, while qualitative analysis was performed via MAXQDA. Results: The findings reported allow for both specific insights per each country or category as well as enabling general considerations of a practice that is becoming always more international with 30%–50% of respondents working in the international context. The evaluation of the survey highlights the most important benchmarks, among others. For example, for respondents from the top five countries (Sweden, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the United States), the most important metric for benchmark comparability is whether the project was new construction, new construction attached to an existing hospital, or interior renovation. Construction date, client type (public vs. private), and country of location were also generally rated as the most important metrics by respondents. Other metrics that were consistently rated as important globally included inpatient unit layout, walking distances, number of floors, and whether all patient rooms are private. Space-related metrics are considered very important elements in the design and planning of healthcare facilities worldwide. Regarding cost-related metrics, all countries consider the ratio construction cost per building gross area as the most important. Conclusions: Benchmarking emerges as a relevant tool for hospital design and planning as it can support efficiency, standardization, and confidence; currently, benchmarking is still underutilized due to the challenge of international comparison, access to data outside each specific company, and variation design metrics nationally. Benchmarking strategies should be further investigated to support knowledge exchange and to ensure reliable and comparable information globally.
Feasibility and usability of remote monitoring in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Muurling Marijn , de Boer Casper , Hinds Chris , Atreya Alankar , Doherty Aiden , Alepopoulos Vasilis , Curcic Jelena , Brem Anna-Katharine , Conde Pauline , Kuruppu Sajini , Morató Xavier , Saletti Valentina , Galluzzi Samantha , Vilarino Luis Estefania , Cardoso Sandra , Stukelj Tina , Kramberger Milica Gregorič , Roik Dora , Koychev Ivan , Hopøy Ann-Cecilie , Schwertner Emilia , Gkioka Mara , Aarsland Dag , Visser Pieter Jelle ,   the RADAR-AD consortium
Published: April 2024

Introduction Remote monitoring technologies (RMTs) can measure cognitive and functional decline objectively at-home, and offer opportunities to measure passively and continuously, possibly improving sensitivity and reducing participant burden in clinical trials. However, there is skepticism that age and cognitive or functional impairment may render participants unable or unwilling to comply with complex RMT protocols. We therefore assessed the feasibility and usability of a complex RMT protocol in all syndromic stages of Alzheimer's disease and in healthy control participants. Methods For 8 weeks, participants (N = 229) used two activity trackers, two interactive apps with either daily or weekly cognitive tasks, and optionally a wearable camera. A subset of participants participated in a 4-week sub-study (N = 45) using fixed at-home sensors, a wearable EEG sleep headband and a driving performance device. Feasibility was assessed by evaluating compliance and drop-out rates. Usability was assessed by problem rates (e.g., understanding instructions, discomfort, forgetting to use the RMT or technical problems) as discussed during bi-weekly semi-structured interviews. Results Most problems were found for the active apps and EEG sleep headband. Problem rates increased and compliance rates decreased with disease severity, but the study remained feasible. Conclusions This study shows that a highly complex RMT protocol is feasible, even in a mild-to-moderate AD population, encouraging other researchers to use RMTs in their study designs. We recommend evaluating the design of individual devices carefully before finalizing study protocols, considering RMTs which allow for real-time compliance monitoring, and engaging the partners of study participants in the research.