bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Health Application Among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in Fako Division, South West, Cameroon: Guidance for Development
Authors: Njumkeng Charles , Nicholas Tendongfor , Mvilongo Prudence Tatiana Nti , Tanue Elvis A. , Amin Elvis T. , Abang Louis , Egbe Thomas Obinchemti , Njukeng Patrick A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Mobile health applications have emerged as promising tools for improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes, particularly in the context of HIV care. Adolescents and young adults living with HIV face unique challenges in accessing and adhering to treatment, making them a vulnerable population that could greatly benefit from mobile health interventions. In this study, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile health application among adolescents and young adults living with HIV. This study was conducted from February to April 2023 in the four health districts within Fako Division. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach to gather comprehensive insights from HIV clients and their healthcare provider. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data collection was conducted through focus group discussions (FGDs). Qualitative data was analyzed with Atlas.ti Version9 while the quantitative data analyzed with SPSS Version 25. Among the 119 participants enrolled, 102 (85.7%) demonstrated the ability to read and write while 111 (93.3%) were able to use social media platform. The proportion of participates aged ≤ 19 years who didn’t own a mobile phone was significantly higher (55.4%) among participants, compared to those aged 20–24 years (7.41%) (p = 0.001). Majority (86.6%) expressed the desire to use a mobile health application to facilitate the care and treatment services they receive. Participants expressed desired that software should be able to provide reminders and prevention tips, social corner, drug side effects and appointments. However, they had concerns about the confidentiality of their health information. This study reveals evidence of high proficiency in using mobile applications making it promising for mhealth application to be accepted. However, it also emphasizes the need to prioritize and implement a robust system to ensure privacy and confidentiality during the use of a mobile health application.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated gastrointestinal adverse events in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Machado Antonio Pizuorno , Shatila Malek , Aujla Parvir , Huey Ryan , Wang Yinghong , Thomas Anusha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are currently employed for the management of microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors with success. While immune checkpoint inhibitor related colitis is a very frequent and a devastating immune related adverse event (irAE) with the use of these agents, the incidence and characteristics of this inflammatory toxicity in patients with MSI-H colorectal cancers has not been examined. We aimed to describe the characteristics and clinical profile of patients diagnosed with luminal gastrointestinal irAE in patients treated with ICI for colorectal cancer in a tertiary cancer care center.
Methods: This is a retrospective analysis that included adult cancer patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer that received ICI between 6/1/2014 and 12/31/2022. We report data on those that developed colitis as an irAE up to 3 months after the last dose of ICI confirmed by laboratory and/or imaging report. We included patients’ demographic characteristics, oncologic profile and outcomes as well as clinical course, endoscopic features as well as treatment and outcomes in terms of luminal gastrointestinal irAEs.
Results: Out of 474 patients with colorectal cancer on ICI in our study period, only 18 developed a gastrointestinal irAE with an incidence of 3.8%. Patients were primarily Caucasian (88.8%) males (61.1%) with a median age of 69.5 years. The majority of these patients received combination therapy with anti-PD-1/L1 and CTLA-4 (50%). 66.6 % received ICI for MSI-H colorectal cancer. 11.1% of our sample were noted to have a second cancer-melanoma. The majority of patients had grade 1-2 colitis (61.2%) and grade 1-2 diarrhea (88.8%). Only 5 patients underwent endoscopic evaluation of whom, 2 had ulcerative inflammation necessitating use of selective immunosuppressive therapy with biologics. 61.1% had to withhold cancer treatment due toxicity. With regards to other gastrointestinal irAEs among this population, 41.4% and 5.8% were noted to have liver and pancreas toxicity respectively, with a median CTCAE grade of severity 2. The majority of our cohort received steroids as therapy.
Conclusion: Luminal gastrointestinal irAEs seem to occur less frequently and at a lower severity among patients with MSI-H colorectal cancer after checkpoint inhibitors exposure compared to the overall incidence of the same among other cancers reported in literature. Larger prospective studies are necessary to determine the role of tumor biology and the gut microbiome in the disease profile and severity of immune related adverse events of the GI organ system.
Nitrogen Isotopes Reveal High NOx Emissions from Arid Agricultural Soils in the Salton Sea Air Basin
Authors: Lieb Heather , Walters Wendell , Maldonado Matthew , Ruiz Edgar , Torres Christian , Olmedo Luis , Faloona Ian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Air quality management commonly aims to mitigate emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from combustion, reducing ozone and particulate matter pollution. Despite such efforts, regulations have recently proven ineffective in rural areas like the Salton Sea Air Basin of Southern California, which routinely violates air quality standards. With $2 billion in annual agricultural sales and low population density, air quality in the region is likely influenced by year-round farming. We conducted NOx source apportionment using nitrogen stable isotopes of ambient NO2, which indicate a substantial contribution of soil-emitted NOx. The soil source strength was estimated based on the mean δ15N-NOx from each emission category in the California Air Resources Board's NOx inventory. Our annual average soil emission estimate for the air basin was 11.4 ± 4 tons/d, representing ~ 30% of the extant NOx inventory, 10× larger than the state’s inventory. Therefore, the impact of soil NOx in agricultural regions must be re-evaluated.
Practice Outcomes for the First Decade of Rural Pharmacy Education (RPHARM) Program Graduates
Authors: OLSON HEIDI , Schriever Allison E. , Rynn Kevin O. , MacDowell Martin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The maldistribution of pharmacy services in underserved areas is a national issue. Analysis of data from the 2019 National Pharmacist Workforce Study indicated that 13.9% of pharmacists were working in a rural community. However, the percentage of people living in rural communities in the United States is 20.0%.Currently, there are 20 rural pharmacy programs in the United States, including the Rural Pharmacy Education (RPHARM) Program at the UIC College of Pharmacy, which contain both didactic and experiential rural components. The purpose of this research project is to examine the postgraduate practice outcomes of the RPHARM Program.
Methods
Descriptive analysis was used to examine the practice outcome characteristics of RPHARM Program graduates between 2014 and 2023. The characteristics of the RPHARM graduates included the ruralities of hometowns, practice locations and populations, and distance of practice locations to hometowns. Rural practice outcomes were described utilizing frequently used rural definitions. The practice locations of 54 of the 61 RPHARM graduates were used in the analysis.
Results
Approximately 41% of the practicing RPHARM graduates were from rural hometowns and two-thirds were female. RPHARM graduates mostly work in either a community setting (44.4%) or a hospital setting (37.0%). Approximately 11% worked in a federal government organization and 5.6% worked in a long-term care pharmacy. When examining job movement, 37% of RPHARM graduates have always worked in a rural location as defined by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. However, 50% of RPHARM graduates have always worked in urban areas. Approximately 56% of practicing RPHARM graduates are working in a location < 50 miles from their hometown, and 13% are working 50 to 100 miles from their hometown. Approximately 74% of RPHARM graduates are practicing in Illinois.
Conclusions
Approximately 40% of RPHARM graduates practice in rural locations. A significant portion (37%) of RPHARM graduates have always practiced in rural locations, and many (55.5%) are practicing near their hometowns. Results indicate that the RPHARM Program is making meaningful contributions to increasing the rural pharmacy workforce. Due to the lack of information on rural pharmacy practice outcomes, all programs with rural pharmacy content are encouraged to track graduates’ practice locations.
Are species richness and endemism hotspots correlated within a biome? A test case in the fire-impacted subtropical rainforests of Australia
Authors: Torkkola Janne , Hines Harry , Chauvenet Alienor , Oliver Paul 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Identifying hotspots of particularly rich or localised biodiversity is key strategy for prioritising areas for protection and management. However, different biodiversity measures may lead to the prioritisation of different areas for conservation. Here we use species distribution modelling and spatial biodiversity analyses to map and compare hotspots of Australian subtropical rainforest reptile and amphibian diversity identified using three biodiversity measures - Alpha Diversity, Weighted Endemism, and Corrected Weighted Endemism. Spatial patterns of frog and reptile diversity largely correlate with each other, and with previous studies in plants and other vertebrates, with diversity and endemism both concentrated in montane uplands and correlated with paleoclimatic stability. However Corrected Weighted Endemism highlights additional peripheral hotspots of Short-Range Endemic taxa away from Alpha Diversity hotspots, especially in the poorly known ‘vine-thicket’ habitats of mid-east Queensland. Spatial analyses of the overlap of burn scars from two recent massive fire events show that many of these peripheral hotspots may have been impacted, further highlighting these areas as a priority for targeted survey and conservation assessment.
Bloodstream Infection Due to Corynebacterium striatum: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes
Authors: He Shu-hua , Chen Yan , Li Shan , Diao Shi-tong , Wang Yi-fan , He Zhuo-xin , Weng Li , Peng Jin-Min , Du Bin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Corynebacterium striatum (C. striatum), a common skin and mucosal colonizer, is increasingly considered as an opportunistic pathogen causing bloodstream infections (BSIs). This study aim to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of C. striatum-BSI.
Methods
We included hospitalized cases with C. striatum-positive blood cultures from January 2014 to June 2022 and classified into C. striatum-BSI group and contamination group; Clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes were compared between C. striatum-BSI group and contamination group, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-BSI and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE)-BSI.
Results
Fifty three patients with positive C. striatum blood cultures were identified. Among them, 25 patients were classified as C. striatum-BSI, with 21 as contamination cases. And 62 cases of MRSA-BSI and 44 cases of MRSE-BSI were identified. Compared to contaminated group, C. striatum-BSI group had a shorter time to positivity of blood cultures (27.0h vs 42.5h, P = 0.011). C. striatum-BSI group had a longer time to positivity (27 hours) when compared to both the MRSA (20 hours) and MRSE groups (19 hours) (p < 0.05). Appropriate therapy within 24 hours of BSI onset was significantly lower in the C. striatum group (28%) compared to the MRSA (64.5%) and MRSE (65.9%) groups (p < 0.005). The 28-day mortality was higher in the C. striatum group (52.0%) compared to the MRSA (25.8%) and MRSE (18.2%) groups.
Conclusions
Given the distinct characteristics of C. striatum-BSI, including a longer time to positivity than other gram-positive bacteria and higher mortality rates, we suggest prescribing early appropriate antibiotics if C. striatum-BSI is suspected.
Shared etiology of Mendelian and complex disease supports drug discovery
Authors: Lalagkas Panagiotis N. , Melamed Rachel D. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Drugs targeting disease causal genes are more likely to succeed for that disease. However, complex disease causal genes are not always clear. In contrast, Mendelian disease causal genes are well-known and druggable. Here, we seek an approach to exploit the well characterized biology of Mendelian diseases for complex disease drug discovery, by exploiting evidence of pathogenic processes shared between monogenic and complex disease. One way to find shared disease etiology is clinical association: some Mendelian diseases are known to predispose patients to specific complex diseases (comorbidity). Previous studies link this comorbidity to pleiotropic effects of the Mendelian disease causal genes on the complex disease.
Methods
In previous work studying incidence of 90 Mendelian and 65 complex diseases, we found 2,908 pairs of clinically associated (comorbid) diseases. Using this clinical signal, we can match each complex disease to a set of Mendelian disease causal genes. We hypothesize that the drugs targeting these genes are potential candidate drugs for the complex disease. We evaluate our candidate drugs using information of current drug indications or investigations.
Results
Our analysis shows that the candidate drugs are enriched among currently investigated or indicated drugs for the relevant complex diseases (odds ratio = 1.84, p = 5.98e-22). Additionally, the candidate drugs are more likely to be in advanced stages of the drug development pipeline. We also present an approach to prioritize Mendelian diseases with particular promise for drug repurposing. Finally, we find that the combination of comorbidity and genetic similarity for a Mendelian disease and cancer pair leads to recommendation of candidate drugs that are enriched for those investigated or indicated.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest a novel way to take advantage of the rich knowledge about Mendelian disease biology to improve treatment of complex diseases.
Expanding the cultivated human archaeome by targeted isolation of novel Methanobrevibacter strains from fecal samples
Authors: Moissl-Eichinger Christine , Duller Stefanie , Vrbancic Simone , Szydłowski Łukasz , Mahnert Alexander , Blohs Marcus , Predl Michael , Kumpitsch Christina , Zrim Verena , Högenauer Christoph , Kosciolek Tomasz , Schmitz Ruth , Eberhard Anna , Dragovan Melanie , Schmidberger Laura , Zurabischvili Tamara , Weinberger Viktora , Moser Adrian , Kolb Dagmar , Pernitsch Dominique , Mohammadzadeh Rokhsareh , Kuehnast Torben , Rattei Thomas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Archaea are vital components of the human microbiome, yet their study within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is limited by the scarcity of cultured representatives.
Our study presents a targeted cultivation method enriching methanogenic archaea from human fecal samples. The procedure combines methane breath testing, in silico metabolic modelling, media optimization, FACS, dilution series, and genomic sequencing through Nanopore technology. Additional analyses include co-cultured bacteriome, comparative genomics of archaeal genomes, functional comparisons, and structure-based protein function prediction of unknown differential traits.
Successful establishment of stable archaeal cultures from 14 out of 16 fecal samples yielded nine previously uncultivated strains, eight of which were absent from a recent archaeome genome catalog. Comparative genomic and functional assessments of Methanobrevibacter smithii and Candidatus Methanobrevibacter intestini strains from individual donors revealed features potentially associated with gastrointestinal diseases.
Our work broadens available archaeal representatives for GIT studies, and offers insights into Candidatus Methanobrevibacter intestini genomes' adaptability in critical microbiome contexts.
Development of non-antithrombin-mediated heparin resistance models using platelet factor 4 and the effect of antithrombin in these models
Authors: Kitashoji Akira , Kawasaki Natsumi , Komiyama Yutaka , Ieko Masahiro , Kobayashi Fujio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Antithrombin (AT) deficiency is considered to be the primary cause of heparin resistance (HR); however, some patients with HR have normal AT activity (non-AT-mediated HR). Supplementation with concentrated human AT is recommended for patients with AT-deficient HR (AT-mediated HR), whereas treatment has not been established for non-AT-mediated HR. Interestingly, the efficacy of concentrated human AT for non-AT-mediated HR has recently been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of AT in non-AT-mediated HR by developing experimental models using platelet factor 4 (PF4), a potent heparin inhibitor and potential risk factor for non-AT-mediated HR.
Methods
Normal human plasma, mice, and whole blood samples were treated with recombinant PF4 (rPF4), heparin, and AT. Coagulation parameters, including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and clotting time (CT) on rotational thromboelastometry, were assessed. In addition, AT activity of the rPF4-containing plasma was measured, and the interaction of rPF4 or AT with heparin was evaluated.
Results
Treatment with rPF4 shortened APTT and CT prolonged by heparin without reducing AT activity, and AT ameliorated this shortening in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the binding affinity of AT for heparin was weaker than that of rPF4.
Conclusions
We experimentally verified that AT ameliorated non-AT-mediated HR. The potential mechanism was considered to be via increased absolute numbers of AT-heparin complexes. This report provides evidence for therapeutic strategies for non-AT-mediated HR.
Trial registration
Not applicable.
Dramatic loss of microbial viability in bentonite exposed to heat and gamma radiation: Implications for deep geological repository
Authors: Bartak Deepa , Šachlová Šárka , Kašpar Vlastislav , Říha Jakub , Dobrev David , Večerník Petr , Matulová Michaela , Černá Kateřina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Bentonite is an integral part of the engineered barrier system (EBS) in deep geological repositories (DGRs) for nuclear waste, but its indigenous microorganisms may jeopardize long-term EBS integrity. To predict microbial activity in DGRs, it is essential to understand microbial reactions to the early hot phase of DGR evolution. Two bentonites (BCV and MX-80) with varied bentonite/water ratios and saturation levels (compacted to 1600 kg.m-3 dry density/powder/suspension), were subjected to heat (90°C or 150°C) and irradiation (0.4 Gy.h-1) in the long-term experiments (up to 18 months). Molecular-genetic, microscopic, and cultivation-based techniques assessed microbial survivability. Exposure to 90°C and 150°C notably diminished microbial viability, irrespective of bentonite form, with negligible impacts from irradiation or sample type compared to temperature. Bentonite powder samples exhibited microbial recovery after 90°C heating for up to 6 months but not 12 months in most cases; exposure to 150°C had an even stronger effect. Further long-term experiments at additional temperatures combined with mathematical prediction of temperature evolution in DGR are recommended to validate the possible evolution and spatial distribution of microbially depleted zones in bentonite buffer around waste canister and refine predictions of microbial effects over time in the DGR.
Preparation of carvacrol β-cyclodextrin inclusions and 1-methylcyclopropene-α-CD coated paper by water-free method for postharvest preservation of peach
Authors: Cao Zhaoxin , Su Jingyi , Luo Yali , Wang Xinyu , Liu Zhiming , Chen Yanqi , Zou Yijing , Shen Wen , Ge Xuemei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Carvacrol essential oil has broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, but the essential oil is volatile and unstable for long term storage and using. In order to improve the relevant properties of carvacrol, in the present study, carvacrol was encapsulated with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) using the saturated aqueous solution method and response surface analysis was carried out, which gave a high encapsulation rate (63.58%). The success encapsulation of carvacrol was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The release performance of the encapsulants was also tested at different temperature and humidity levels. In addition, Polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite carvacrol-inclusive fresh-keeping paper prepared by these anhydrous conditions showed high antibacterial activity against Streptomyces fructus Monilinia fructicola, the main pathogen of peaches. Also, PEG was used to form the film in the anhydrous condition with the inclusion compound and ethylene inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to obtain the film coated paper, and its effect on postharvest preservation quality of peach was studied. The results showed that PEG + Carvacrol-β-CD + 1-MCP-α-CD inclusion complexes (ICs) effectively prolonged the storage time and improved the fruit quality and enzyme activity of peach. This study provides a solution for the preparation of controlled-release coated paper with essential oils and 1-MCP bioactives to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
Establishment and characterization of two novel patient-derived cell lines from myxofibrosarcoma: NCC-MFS7-C1 and NCC-MFS8-C1
Authors: Adachi Yuki , Noguchi Rei , Osaki Julia , Ono Takuya , Iwata Shuhei , Akiyama Taro , Tsuchiya Ryuto , Toda Yu , Sekita Tetsuya , Iwata Shintaro , Kobayashi Eisuke , Kojima Naoki , Yoshida Akihiko , Yokoo Hideki , Kawai Akira , Kondo Tadashi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS), an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma, presents a significant challenge because of its high recurrence rate, distal metastasis, and complex genetic background. Although surgical resection is the standard treatment for MFS, the outcomes are unsatisfactory, and effective non-surgical treatment strategies, including drug therapy, are urgently warranted. MFS is a rare tumor that requires comprehensive preclinical research to develop promising drug therapies; however, only two MFS cell lines are publicly available worldwide. The present study reports two novel patient-derived MFS cell lines, NCC-MFS7-C1 and NCC-MFS8-C1. These cell lines have been extensively characterized for their genetic profile, proliferation, spheroid-forming capacity, and invasive behavior, confirming that they retain MFS hallmarks. Furthermore, we conducted comprehensive drug screening against these cell lines and six others previously established in our laboratory to identify potential therapeutic candidates for MFS. Among the screened agents, actinomycin D, bortezomib, and romidepsin demonstrated considerable antiproliferative effects that were superior to those of doxorubicin, a standard drug, highlighting their potential as novel drugs. In conclusion, NCC-MFS7-C1 and NCC-MFS8-C1 are valuable research resources that contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis and development of novel therapies for MFS.