bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intimate Partner Violence Among Rwandan Women With HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hatoum Sandy , Mukamana Donatilla , Gishoma Darius , Kayiranga Dieudonne , Pan Wei , Relf Michael V. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In Rwanda, women have higher incidence of HIV and intimate partner violence (IPV). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of IPV among women living with HIV (WWH) in Rwanda and measure the difference in psychological outcomes, demographic data, and HIV-related outcomes using a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational design. A convenience sample of 162 Rwandan WWH were purposefully recruited to participate. The study collected demographic data and data about IPV, depression, HIV-related stigma, coping, self-esteem, and hope. The prevalence of any form of IPV in the sample was 27% with psychological IPV being the most prevalent. Demographic data had no statistical significance with the prevalence of IPV. WWH who experienced IPV had higher HIV stigma, lower coping self-efficacy, lower self-esteem, and less hope and worse HIV psychological outcomes. Further studies are needed to look into the correlation between the two and interventions addressing IPV prevention.
Application of Oral Retractor for Lip Injury Protection in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Honglin , Paka Lubamba Grace , Zhang Gaowei , Li Chunjie , Han Bo , Gao Ning , Wang Lei , Chen Yafei , Yan Bing 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:
Iatrogenic lip injury may occur during oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral retractors on iatrogenic lip injury prevention during intraoral procedures of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Methods:
We conducted a randomized controlled trial and included patients who underwent intraoral procedures of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to receive oral retractor (intervention group) or traditional procedure without lip protection (control group). The incidence of lip injury was the outcome variable. Other study variables included surgical time and satisfaction of patients and surgeons with treatment experience evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS). Student t test and χ2 test were used to compare both groups’ variables and measure the relationship between the predictor variable and the outcome variable. P<0.05 was considered significant for all analyses.

Results:
A total of 114 patients were included, with 56 allocated to intervention group and 58 to control group. The results showed that the application of an oral retractor did not significantly increase surgical time (P=0.318). A total of 12 patients had lip injury, with 1 in the intervention group and 11 in the control group (P=0.003). For the assessment of satisfaction with treatment experience, the intervention group had significantly higher VAS scores for doctors and patients (P<0.05).

Conclusions:
We found that the oral retractor was a good tool for iatrogenic lip injury prevention in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures and could be considered in clinical treatment.
Irregular warfare must combine good medicine, with both good tactics and good strategies: Position paper by the French Special Operations Forces Medical Command
Authors: Pasquier Pierre , David Mathieu , Petit Ludovic , Chery Morgan , Habas Sébastien , Patey Edouard , Conort Sébastien , Zeller Nicolas , Gelmann Marc-Olivier , Peyrefitte Sébastien , Castel Fabrice , Travers Stéphane , Mahé Pierre 
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION
Military operations are no longer limited to the application of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency strategies; they are now characterized by hybrid, irregular, and unconventional features. While some authors have indicated the need for medical support to adapt to these new modes of military operations, they have focused mainly on the tactical level of care on the battlefield. As Sun Tzu states, “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat,” further proposals are still needed on the application of both medical tactics and medical strategies in irregular warfare.

METHODS
Medical experts from the French Special Operations Forces (SOF) Medical Command have identified specific medical challenges that special operations face in the context of the current transformation of armed confrontations into irregular warfare.

RESULTS
This position paper presents original tactical medical proposals for improving medical support in irregular warfare, ranging from the definition of a Primary-Alternate-Contingency-Emergency medical plan to the promotion of telemedical support. Original strategic medical proposals have highlighted the importance of recognizing medical issues in irregular warfare, including the medical actions carried out through and with local partners and the multiple approaches to countering medical threats.

CONCLUSION
The SOF medical community must be closely involved with and facilitate the responses to the shift to irregular warfare. International collaboration and interoperability are more necessary than ever, as they will enable a more effective combination of good medicine with both good tactics and good strategies. These perspectives can also be extended to improve medical care in the conventional armed forces and austere civilian settings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic/Care Management; Level V
Marinobacter azerbaijanicus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium from Urmia Lake, Iran
Authors: Sánchez-Porro Cristina , Aghdam Elnaz Mehdizadeh , Montazersaheb Soheila , Tarhriz Vahideh , Kazemi Elham , Amoozegar Mohammad Ali , Ventosa Antonio , Hejazi Mohammad Saeid 
Published: April 2024

A novel moderately halophilic, Gram-stain-negative and facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated as strain TBZ242T, was isolated from water of Urmia Lake in the Azerbaijan region of Iran. The cells were found to be rod-shaped and motile by a single polar flagellum, producing circular and yellowish colonies. The strain could grow in the presence of 0.5–10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.5–5 %). The temperature and pH ranges for growth were 15–45 °C (optimum 30 °C) and pH 7.0–11.0 (optimum pH 8.0) on marine agar. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain TBZ242T belonged to the genus Marinobacter, showing the highest similarities to Marinobacter algicola DG893T (98.8 %), Marinobacter vulgaris F01T (98.8 %), Marinobacter salarius R9SW1T (98.5 %), Marinobacter panjinensis PJ-16T (98.4 %), Marinobacter orientalis W62T (98.0 %) and Marinobacter denitrificans JB2H27T (98.0 %). The 16S rRNA and core-genome phylogenetic trees showed that strain TBZ242T formed a distinct branch, closely related to a subclade accommodating M. vulgaris, M. orientalis, M. panjinensis, M. denitrificans, M. algicola, M. salarius and M. iranensis, within the genus Marinobacter. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain TBZ242T and the type strains of the related species of Marinobacter were ≤85.0 and 28.6 %, respectively, confirming that strain TBZ242T represents a distinct species. The major cellular fatty acids of strain TBZ242T were C16 : 0 and C16 : 1
ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c and the quinone was ubiquinone Q-9. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain TBZ242T is 57.2 mol%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic data, strain TBZ242T represents a novel species within the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter azerbaijanicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TBZ242T (= CECT 30649T = IBRC-M 11466T). Genomic fragment recruitment analysis showed that this species prefers aquatic saline environments with intermediate salinities, being detected on metagenomic databases of Lake Meyghan (Iran) with 5 and 18 % salinity, respectively.
Blastococcus brunescens sp. nov., a member of the Geodermatophilaceae isolated from sandstone collected from the Sahara Desert in Tunisia
Authors: Hezbri Karima , kammoun Ikram , Sbissi Imed , Klenk Hans-Peter , Montero-Calasanz Maria del Carmen , Ghodhbane-Gtari Faten , Gtari Maher 
Published: April 2024

The taxonomic position of strain BMG 8361T, isolated from sandstone collected in the Sahara Desert of Southern Tunisia, was refined through a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Colonies of BMG 8361T were pale-orange coloured, irregular with a dry surface and produced a diffusible pink or brown pigment depending on media. The Gram-positive cells were catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. The strain exhibited growth at 10–40 °C and pH values ranging from 5.5 to 9.0, with optima at 28–35 °C and pH 6.5–8.0. Additionally, BMG 8361T demonstrated the ability to grow in the presence of up to 1 % NaCl (w/v) concentration. The peptidoglycan of the cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, ribose, and rhamnose. The predominant menaquinones consisted of MK-9(H4) and MK-9. The main polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, glycophosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and two unidentified lipids. Major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 1 h, and C17 : 1
ω8c. Phylogenetic analyses based on both the 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences assigned strain BMG 8361T within the genus Blastococcus. The highest pairwise sequence similarity observed in the 16S rRNA gene was 99.5 % with Blastococcus haudaquaticus AT 7-14T. However, when considering digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity, the highest values, 48.4 and 86.58 %, respectively, were obtained with Blastococcus colisei BMG 822T. These values significantly undershoot the recommended thresholds for establishing new species, corroborating the robust support for the distinctive taxonomic status of strain BMG 8361T within the genus Blastococcus. In conjunction with the phenotyping results, this compelling evidence leads to the proposal of a novel species we named Blastococcus brunescens sp. nov. with BMG 8361T (=DSM 46845T=CECT 8880T) as the type strain.
Mapping immunodominant sites on the MERS-CoV spike glycoprotein targeted by infection-elicited antibodies in humans
Authors: Addetia Amin , Stewart Cameron , Seo Albert J. , Sprouse Kaitlin R. , Asiri Ayed Y , Al-Mozaini Maha , Memish Ziad A , Alshukairi Abeer , Veesler David 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMiddle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) first emerged in 2012 and causes human infections in endemic regions. Most vaccines and therapeutics in development against MERS-CoV focus on the spike (S) glycoprotein to prevent viral entry into target cells. These efforts, however, are limited by a poor understanding of antibody responses elicited by infection along with their durability, fine specificity and contribution of distinct S antigenic sites to neutralization. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed S-directed binding and neutralizing antibody titers in plasma collected from individuals infected with MERS-CoV in 2017-2019 (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic). We observed that binding and neutralizing antibodies peak 1 to 6 weeks after symptom onset/hospitalization, persist for at least 6 months, and broadly neutralize human and camel MERS-CoV strains. We show that the MERS-CoV S1subunit is immunodominant and that antibodies targeting S1, particularly the RBD, account for most plasma neutralizing activity. Antigenic site mapping revealed that polyclonal plasma antibodies frequently target RBD epitopes, particularly a site exposed irrespective of the S trimer conformation, whereas targeting of S2subunit epitopes is rare, similar to SARS-CoV-2. Our data reveal in unprecedented details the humoral immune responses elicited by MERS-CoV infection, which will guide vaccine and therapeutic design.
Ready-To-Use Investigational Stem Cells, MiSaver, in Patients with Recent Acute Myocardial Infarction, 1 year follow up from a Phase 1 Safety Study
Authors: Ueng KC , Tsai CF , Su CH , Chuang YT , Liu JTK 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the safety of MiSaver stem cells and their preliminary efficacy in improving left ventricular ejection function and functional activity in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. In 2019, an estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs, accounting for 32% of all global deaths. Among these deaths, 85% were due to heart attacks and strokes.Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery after myocardial infarction (MI) is an important prognostic indicator, and patients who do not recover LVEF after MI are at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest events and death.Stem cell therapy holds promise for cardiovascular diseases, offering regenerative potential through cell differentiation. However, limited access exists for clinicians and patients. This study investigates the safety and efficacy of MiSaver (Myocardial Infarction Functional Saver), a prefabricated stem cell investigational product, in recent AMI patients. Findings contribute to advancing stem cell treatments, improving accessibility and patient outcomes.MethodsPatients who were admitted for AMI within 7 days and had reduced LVEF (.45%) were eligible for the study. MiSaver were matched for blood group and administered in participants in cohorts of five, each receiving escalating dosages (0.5×10^7, 1.6×10^7, and 5.0×10^7 cells/kg, respectively). Patients were assessed for symptoms of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and treatment-related adverse events (AE). LVEF measured by echocardiographic on admission, at 6 months, and at 12 months after treatment. Patients functional activity status evalution ( using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) and Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) classification systems.ResultsOut of the initially planned 15 participants, eleven were enrolled in the study. The trial was halted prematurely due to challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and impractical transportation logistics. Patients received MiSaver infusions within 2-5 days post-AMI onset. During the 12-month follow-up period, no study-related adverse events or signs of graft-versus-host disease were reported. At 12 months post-treatment, both the low and middle dose groups, as well as participant 11, showed improved LVEF, accompanied by enhanced Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class grades compared to baseline.ConclusionThe intravenous infusion of MiSaver stem cells in AMI patients demonstrated safety and tolerability for low and middle dosage groups. The study provides promising insights into the potential of stem cells therapy in improving left ventricular function following AMI. However, further research with larger cohorts and a controlled placebo is warranted to confirm these findings and address limitations encountered during this trial.
Twin pair analysis uncovers novel links between DNA methylation, mitochondrial DNA quantity and obesity
Authors: Heikkinen Aino , Esser Vivienne F C , Lundgren Sara , Lee Seung Hyuk T , Hakkarainen Antti , Lundbom Jesper , Kuula Juho , Groop Per-Henrik , Heinonen Sini , Pajukanta Päivi , Kaprio Jaakko , Pietiläinen Kirsi H , Li Shuai , Ollikainen Miina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlterations in mitochondrial metabolism in obesity may indicate disrupted communication between mitochondria and nucleus, crucial for adapting to changing metabolic demands. Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, may influence this intricate interplay, though the specifics remain poorly understood. Leveraging data from the subcohort of the Finnish Twin Cohort (n=173; 86 full twin pairs) that includes comprehensive measurements of obesity-related outcomes, mitochondrial DNA quantity (mtDNAq) and nuclear DNA methylation levels in adipose and muscle tissue, we identified one locus atSH3BP4(cg19998400) significantly associated with mtDNAq in adipose tissue (FDR<0.05).SH3BP4methylation correlated with its gene expression. Additionally, 14 out of the 35 obesity-related traits displayed significant associations with bothSH3BP4methylation and mtDNAq in adipose tissue. Using the method that infers causality from examination of familial confounding (ICE FALCON) our data suggests that mtDNAq, insulin sensitivity and certain body fat measures are causal toSH3BP4methylation. The examination of mtDNAq and obesity-related traits suggested causation from mtDNAq to obesity which could not, however, be distinguished from potential unmeasured within-individual confounding. In conclusion, our findings underscore the impact of mtDNAq on DNA methylation and expression of theSH3BP4gene within adipose tissue, with potential implications for obesity.
Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions to Improve Cognition in Cancer: A Protocol for an Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Haywood Darren , Henneghan Ashley M. , MclinPsych Evan Dauer , Vasan Sherry , Franco-Rocha Oscar Y. , Wilding Helen , Hart Nicolas H. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMany cancer survivors, including those with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer, experience cancer-related cognitive impairments (CRCI). CRCI can impact their ability to think quickly, clearly, make decisions and perform daily actions. There have been a variety of non-pharmacological interventions developed and trialed with the aim of reducing CRCI or mitigating its impact. The aim of this work is to provide an overall picture of the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions to improve cognition in cancer survivors by providing an overview and synthesis of systematic reviews.Review TitleEffectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions to Improve Cognition in Cancer: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Anthelminthic treatment modifies cytokine profiles and improves the performance of tuberculin test in helminth-Mycobacterium bovisco-infection in cattle herds
Authors: Akinseye Victor O. , Jarikre Theophilus A , Tijani Moshood O , Alaka Olugbenga O , Cadmus Simeon I. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTWhile enormous efforts are directed at tackling the problems of human tuberculosis (TB) globally, the aspect of bovine TB (bTB) has received limited attention particularly in developing countries, where control policies are non-existent or inadequate. We compared the results of a single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (SICCTT) with cytokine profiles before and after anti-helminthic treatment in cattle in their natural environment. Cattle were initially subjected to SICCTT and their helminth status assessed by coprological testing forStrongyle-type, Strongyloides sp.,Toxocara vitulorum, Nematodirus sp.,Paraphistomum cervi, Fasciola gigantica, Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Moniezia benedeni.; 60 days after, they were dewormed and the SICCTT was repeated with coprological testing; SICCTT-positives underwent post mortem examination and mycobacterial culture to confirm TB infection. Also, we measured the level of circulating type 1 (gamma interferon [IFN-γ]), type 2 (interleukine-4 [IL-4]) and regulatory (transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-β]) cytokines before and after anthelminthic therapy. Results revealed that cattle positive by SICCTT showed typical granulomatous lesions suggestive of TB which was confirmed by positive culture. The proportion of SICCTT positive cattle increased to about two folds following anthelminthic treatment. Cattle co-infected with helminth-bTB have significantly (p = 0.000) lower levels of IFN-γ and higher levels of IL-4 and TGF-β. Conversely, anthelminthic therapy led to significantly (p=0.000) elevated levels of IFN-γ, concomitant (p =0.000) decreased levels of IL-4 and TGF-β. Overall, we show that anthelminthic treatment can improve the rate of SICCTT positivity and reverse the modulation of cytokine responses in helminth-bTB co-infection.
Optimised methods for the targeted surveillance of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producingEscherichia coliin human stool
Authors: Gallichan Sarah , Forrest Sally , Picton-Barlow Esther , McKeown Claudia , Moore Maria , Heinz Eva , Feasey Nicholas A , Lewis Joseph M , Graf Fabrice E 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUnderstanding transmission pathways of important opportunistic, drug resistant pathogens, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producingEscherichia coli,is essential to implementing targeted prevention strategies to interrupt transmission and reduce the number of infections. To link transmission of ESBL-producingE. coli(ESBL-EC) between two sources, single nucleotide resolution ofE. colistrains as well asE. colidiversity within and between samples is required. However, the microbiological methods to best track these pathogens are unclear. Here we compared different steps in the microbiological workflow to determine the impact different pre-enrichment broths, pre-enrichment incubation times, selection in pre-enrichment, selective plating, and DNA extraction methods had on recovering ESBL-EC from human stool samples, with the aim to acquire high quality DNA for sequencing and genomic epidemiology. We demonstrate that using a 4-hour pre-enrichment in Buffered Peptone Water, plating on cefotaxime supplemented MacConkey agar and extracting DNA using Lucigen MasterPure DNA Purification kit improves the recovery of ESBL-EC from human stool and produced high-quality DNA for whole genome sequencing. We conclude that our optimised workflow can be applied for single nucleotide variant analysis of an ESBL-EC from stool.
Tracing Alzheimer’s Genetic Footprints: A Pioneering Longitudinal Study Using Artificial Intelligence to Unravel Mutation- Driven Risks and Progression in Virtual Patients; Part 1 – The APOE genotypes
Authors: Danter WR 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder, presents a significant challenge for early detection and intervention due to its complex etiology involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This study harnesses the innovative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) through the aiHumanoid platform to simulate AD progression. In this study, we focus on the impact of two APOE genotypes on disease development and progression. Our longitudinal virtual subject simulations, grounded in extensive medical literature and genetic information, explore the nuanced interplay between specific genetic variants, APOE ε3/4 and ε4/4, and their role in AD’s heterogeneity. Despite the potential limitations associated with emerging technologies, including the translatability of AI simulations to real-world scenarios and the scope of genetic variants, this research provides key insights into early biomarkers and the progression patterns of AD. Future segments of this study (Part 2 and Part 3) will broaden the analysis to encompass a wider array of genetic factors and their interactions, enhancing the understanding of AD and paving the way for personalized intervention strategies. Ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in medical research are acknowledged, emphasizing the need for responsible integration of technology in healthcare. Our findings underscore the transformative potential of AI in advancing AD research, offering a foundation for future studies aimed at refining diagnostic and therapeutic approaches through enhanced realism in simulations and a comprehensive exploration of genetic and environmental factors.