bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Trial of Dynamic Choice HIV Prevention at Antenatal and Postnatal Care Clinics in Rural Uganda and Kenya
Authors: Kabami Jane , Koss Catherine A. , Sunday Helen , Biira Edith , Nyabuti Marilyn , Balzer Laura B. , Gupta Shalika , Chamie Gabriel , Ayieko James , Kakande Elijah , Bacon Melanie C. , Havlir Diane , Kamya Moses R. , Petersen Maya ,   SEARCH Study Team
Published: March 2024

Background:
Pregnant and postpartum women in Sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of HIV acquisition. We evaluated a person-centered dynamic choice intervention for HIV prevention (DCP) among women attending antenatal and postnatal care.

Setting:
Rural Kenya and Uganda.

Methods:
Women (aged 15 years or older) at risk of HIV acquisition seen at antenatal and postnatal care clinics were individually randomized to DCP vs. standard of care (SEARCH; NCT04810650). The DCP intervention included structured client choice of product (daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis or postexposure prophylaxis), service location (clinic or out of facility), and HIV testing modality (self-test or provider-administered), with option to switch over time and person-centered care (phone access to clinician, structured barrier assessment and counseling, and provider training). The primary outcome was biomedical prevention coverage—proportion of 48-week follow-up with self-reported pre-exposure prophylaxis or postexposure prophylaxis use, compared between arms using targeted maximum likelihood estimation.

Results:
Between April and July 2021, we enrolled 400 women (203 intervention and 197 control); 38% were pregnant, 52% were aged 15–24 years, and 94% reported no pre-exposure prophylaxis or postexposure prophylaxis use for ≥6 months before baseline. Among 384/400 participants (96%) with outcome ascertained, DCP increased biomedical prevention coverage 40% (95% CI: 34% to 47%; P < 0.001); the coverage was 70% in intervention vs. 29% in control. DCP also increased coverage during months at risk of HIV (81% in intervention, 43% in control; 38% absolute increase; 95% CI: 31% to 45%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
A person-centered dynamic choice intervention that provided flexibility in product, testing, and service location more than doubled biomedical HIV prevention coverage in a high-risk population already routinely offered access to biomedical prevention options.
Improved Prediction of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Status by Combined Radiomics of Primary Nonsmall-Cell Lung Cancer and Distant Metastasis
Authors: Hu Yue , Geng Yikang , Wang Huan , Chen Huanhuan , Wang Zekun , Fu Langyuan , Huang Bo , Jiang Wenyan 
Published: March 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate radiomics based on primary nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and distant metastases to predict epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status.

Methods
A total of 290 patients (mean age, 58.21 ± 9.28) diagnosed with brain (BM, n = 150) or spinal bone metastasis (SM, n = 140) from primary NSCLC were enrolled as a primary cohort. An external validation cohort, consisting of 69 patients (mean age, 59.87 ± 7.23; BM, n = 36; SM, n = 33), was enrolled from another center. Thoracic computed tomography–based features were extracted from the primary tumor and peritumoral area and selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to build a radiomic signature (RS-primary). Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging–based features were calculated and selected from the BM and SM to build RS-BM and RS-SM, respectively. The RS-BM-Com and RS-SM-Com were developed by integrating the most important features from the primary tumor, BM, and SM.

Results
Six computed tomography–based features showed high association with EGFR mutation status: 3 from intratumoral and 3 from peritumoral areas. By combination of features from primary tumor and metastases, the developed RS-BM-Com and RS-SM-Com performed well with areas under curve in the training (RS-BM-Com vs RS-BM, 0.936 vs 0.885, P = 0.177; RS-SM-Com vs RS-SM, 0.929 vs 0.843, P = 0.003), internal validation (RS-BM-Com vs RS-BM, 0.920 vs 0.858, P = 0.492; RS-SM-Com vs RS-SM, 0.896 vs 0.859, P = 0.379), and external validation (RS-BM-Com vs RS-BM, 0.882 vs 0.805, P = 0.263; RS-SM-Com vs RS-SM, 0.865 vs 0.816, P = 0.312) cohorts.

Conclusions
This study indicates that the accuracy of detecting EGFR mutations significantly enhanced in the presence of metastases in primary NSCLC. The established radiomic signatures from this approach may be useful as new predictors for patients with distant metastases.
18F-FDG Brain PET/MRI in Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation With Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids
Authors: Mashriqi Faizullah , Saks Rachel , Alkabie Samir , Franceschi Ana Marija 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
An 89-year-old man presented with progressive gait disturbance, diplopia, and ataxia. Initial brain MRI demonstrated T2/FLAIR hyperintense signal abnormality in the pons extending along the middle cerebellar peduncles into the cerebellum, with associated punctate, patchy, and linear enhancement on postcontrast imaging. Initially, this was attributed to brainstem encephalitis; however, sarcoidosis, histiocytosis, and paraneoplastic/autoimmune encephalitis remained on the differential. One month after initial MRI, 18F-FDG brain PET/MRI was performed and showed marked pontine hypermetabolism corresponding to the signal abnormality and enhancement on structural imaging. Collectively, these findings are characteristic of chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids.
Remarkable research achievements in traditional Chinese medicine during 2012–2022
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , He Xianghong , You Liangzhen , Chen Junfeng , Ma Jun , Wang Guochen , Chen Kaixian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The period since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has witnessed the emerging of innovative achievements in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). To fulfill the requirements proposed at the 20th National Congress of the CPC and in the Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Promoting the Preservation, Innovation, and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine and give play to the demonstrative role of major research achievements, the China Association of Chinese Medicine has organized TCM researchers and practitioners to comprehensively review the major research achievements in TCM since the 18th National Congress of the CPC. After collection and organization of achievements, report writing, expert evaluation, and public opinion soliciting, we have compiled the Remarkable Research Achievements of Traditional Chinese Medicine during 2012–2022.
Characterizing an electronic–robotic targeting platform for precise and fast brain stimulation with multi-locus transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Matsuda Renan H. , Souza Victor H. , Marchetti Thais C. , Soto Ana M. , Kahilakoski Olli-Pekka , Laine Mikael , Sinisalo Heikki , Kicic Dubravko , Lioumis Pantelis , Ilmoniemi Risto J. , Baffa Oswaldo 
Published: March 2024

1.AbstractBackgroundMulti-locus TMS (mTMS) enables precise electronic control of brain stimulation targeting, eliminating the need for physical coil movement. However, with a small number of coils, the stimulation area is constrained, and manually handling the coil array is cumbersome. Combining electronic mTMS targeting with robotics will enable automated, user-independent, and precise brain stimulation protocols.ObjectiveCharacterizing an open-source electronic–robotic mTMS platform for rapid and accurate brain stimulation targeting.MethodsWe developed an automated robotic mTMS positioning platform. The accuracy of the system was quantified with a TMS characterizer that measures the TMS-induced electric field on a spherical cortex model. We used a 5-coil mTMS device equipped with a set of five coils coupled to a collaborative robot. The induced electric-field distortion generated by robot coupling was evaluated for each coil. We compared the accuracy of robotic–electronic targeting by repositioning the mTMS coil set with the robotic and the conventional manual positioning.ResultsOur collaborative robot-based system offers submillimeter precision and autonomy in positioning mTMS coil sets. The electronic–robotic mTMS platform was approximately 1.8 mm and 1.0° more accurate than the conventional manual positioning. Integrating robotics and mTMS automates brain stimulation procedures, resulting in minimal reliance on user expertise and subjective analysis.ConclusionOur open-source platform combining rapid mTMS targeting with robotic precision enhances the safety and reproducibility of brain stimulation techniques, enabling more efficient and reliable outcomes than previous techniques.
Neurexin drivesC. elegansavoidance behavior independently of its post-synaptic binding partner Neuroligin
Authors: Muirhead Caroline S. , Reddy Kirthi C. , Guerra Sophia , Rieger Michael , Hart Michael P. , Srinivasan Jagan , Chalasani Sreekanth H. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNeurexins and their canonical binding partners, neuroligins, are localized to neuronal pre-, and post-synapses, respectively, but less is known about their role in driving behaviors. Here, we use the nematodeC. elegansto show that neurexin, but not neuroligin, is required for avoiding specific chemorepellents. We find that adults with knockouts of the entire neurexin locus exhibit a strong avoidance deficit in response to glycerol and a weaker defect in response to copper. Notably, theC. elegansneurexin (nrx-1) locus, like its mammalian homologs, encodes multiple isoforms, α and γ. Using isoform-specific mutations, we find that the γ isoform is selectively required for glycerol avoidance. Next, we used transgenic rescue experiments to show that this isoform functions at least partially in the nervous system. We also confirm that the transgenes are expressed in the neurons and observe protein accumulation in neurites. Furthermore, we tested whether these mutants affect the behavioral responses of juveniles. We find that juveniles (4thlarval stages) of mutants knocking out the entire locus or the α-isoforms, but not γ-isoform, are defective in avoiding glycerol. These results suggest that the different neurexin isoforms affect chemosensory avoidance behavior in juveniles and adults, providing a general principle of how isoforms of this conserved gene affect behavior across species.Article SummaryThe conserved neurexin locus can encode multiple isoforms via alternate splicing, but very little is known about the function of individual isoforms. We show that theC. elegansneurexin γ isoform is specifically required for glycerol, but not copper or quinine avoidance in adults. In contrast, we find that α, but not γ, isoforms are required for avoiding glycerol in juveniles. Collectively, we suggest that different neurexin isoforms are required in juveniles and adults to modify chemosensory behavior.
Widespread variation in molecular interactions and regulatory properties among transcription factor isoforms
Authors: Lambourne Luke , Mattioli Kaia , Santoso Clarissa , Sheynkman Gloria , Inukai Sachi , Kaundal Babita , Berenson Anna , Spirohn-Fitzgerald Kerstin , Bhattacharjee Anukana , Rothman Elisabeth , Shrestha Shaleen , Laval Florent , Yang Zhipeng , Bisht Deepa , Sewell Jared A. , Li Guangyuan , Prasad Anisa , Phanor Sabrina , Lane Ryan , Campbell Devlin M. , Hunt Toby , Balcha Dawit , Gebbia Marinella , Twizere Jean-Claude , Hao Tong , Frankish Adam , Riback Josh A. , Salomonis Nathan , Calderwood Michael A. , Hill David E. , Sahni Nidhi , Vidal Marc , Bulyk Martha L. , Fuxman Bass Juan I. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryMost human Transcription factors (TFs) genes encode multiple protein isoforms differing in DNA binding domains, effector domains, or other protein regions. The global extent to which this results in functional differences between isoforms remains unknown. Here, we systematically compared 693 isoforms of 246 TF genes, assessing DNA binding, protein binding, transcriptional activation, subcellular localization, and condensate formation. Relative to reference isoforms, two-thirds of alternative TF isoforms exhibit differences in one or more molecular activities, which often could not be predicted from sequence. We observed two primary categories of alternative TF isoforms: “rewirers” and “negative regulators”, both of which were associated with differentiation and cancer. Our results support a model wherein the relative expression levels of, and interactions involving, TF isoforms add an understudied layer of complexity to gene regulatory networks, demonstrating the importance of isoform-aware characterization of TF functions and providing a rich resource for further studies.
Programmable marine bacteria catalyze the valorization of lignin monomers
Authors: Wei Ying , Wang Shu-Guang , Xia Peng-Fei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEfficiently converting lignin, the second most abundant biopolymer on Earth, into valuable chemicals is pivotal for a circular economy and net-zero future. However, lignin is recalcitrant to bio-upcycling, demanding innovative solutions. We report here the biological valorization of lignin-derived aromatic carbon to value-added chemicals without requesting extra organic carbon and freshwater via reprogramming the marineRoseobacterclade bacteriumRoseovarius nubinhibens. We discovered the unusual catalytic advantages of this strain for the oxidation of lignin monomers and implemented a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system with thelacI-Ptrcinducible module, nuclease-deactivated Cas9, and programmable gRNAs. This enabled precise and efficient repression of target genes. By deploying the customized CRISPRi, we reprogrammed the carbon flux from a lignin monomer, 4-hydroxybenzoate, to achieve maximum production of protocatechuate, a pharmaceutical compound, while maintaining essential carbon for cell growth and biocatalysis. As a result, we achieved a 4.89-fold increase in protocatechuate yield with a dual-targeting CRISPRi system. Our study introduces a new-to-the-field lineage of marine bacteria and underscores the potential of blue biotechnology leveraging resources from the ocean for simultaneous carbon and water conservation.
Nicotine strength of e-liquids used by adult vapers in Great Britain: a population survey 2016 to 2024
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Brown Jamie , Shahab Lion , Arnott Deborah , Bauld Linda , Cox Sharon 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground/AimsIn March-2024, the UK government announced plans to introduce a new Vaping Products Duty that will tax e-liquids based on their nicotine strength. This study examined trends in the nicotine strength of e-liquids used by adult vapers and differences in those currently used across relevant subgroups.DesignNationally-representative, cross-sectional household survey, July-2016 to January-2024.SettingGreat Britain.Participants7,957 adult vapers.Main outcome measuresParticipants were asked whether the e-cigarette they mainly use contains nicotine and the e-liquid strength. We used logistic regression to estimate time trends in different nicotine strengths used (no nicotine/>0-≤6/7-11/12-19/≥20 mg/ml), overall in England and stratified by main device type (disposable/refillable/pod), age (≥18y), and smoking status. We explored current differences in nicotine strength among those surveyed between January-2022 and January-2024 in Great Britain by main device type, age (≥16y), gender, occupational social grade, history of ≥1 mental health conditions, smoking status, and (among past-year smokers) level of cigarette addiction.ResultsThe proportion of vapers in England using high-strength (≥20mg/ml) e-liquids increased from an average of 3.8% [95%CI 2.9-5.0%] up to June-2021 to 32.5% [27.9-37.4%] in January-2024 (when 93.3% reported using exactly 20mg/ml). This rise was most pronounced among those using disposable e-cigarettes, those aged 18-24y, and all smoking statuses (including never smokers) except long-term (≥1y) ex-smokers. Of those surveyed in 2022-24 in Great Britain, overall, 89.5% [88.1-90.8%] said they usually used e-cigarettes containing nicotine, 8.7% [7.5-10.0%] used nicotine-free e-cigarettes, and 1.8% [1.2-2.4%] were unsure. The proportion using ≥20mg/ml was higher among those mainly using disposable (47.9%) compared with pod (16.3%) or refillable (11.5%) devices; never smokers (36.0%), current smokers (28.8%), or recent (<1y) ex-smokers (27.4%), compared with long-term ex-smokers (13.9%); and younger (16-24y; 44.2%) compared with older (≥25y; range 9.4-25.1%) age groups. There were no notable differences across other subgroups of interest.ConclusionsUse of high-strength nicotine e-liquids in England has increased sharply in recent years. Most adult vapers in Great Britain use e-cigarettes that contain nicotine but different subgroups use different strengths: they tend to be higher among those who mainly use disposable devices, those aged 16-24y, and lower among long-term ex-smokers.
The association between periodontitis and the impact of oral health on the quality of life of individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Costa Amanda Almeida , Cota Luís Otávio Miranda , Esteves Lima Rafael Paschoal , Oliveira Alcione Maria Soares Dutra , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca , Cortelli José Roberto , Cyrino Renata Magalhães , Mendes Victor Silva , Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Costa Fernando Oliveira 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the association between psoriasis (PSO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and periodontitis (PE), and the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) impacts on individuals with psoriatic disease’s daily activities compared to the non-psoriatic ones.Materials & Methods296 individuals with psoriatic disease (PSO n= 210, APS n= 86) (cases) and 359 without these diseases (controls) were included. Complete periodontal examinations and collection of variables of interest were performed. The Brazilian version of theOral Impacts on Daily Performance(OIDP) instrument was applied.ResultsThe prevalence of PE was higher in PsA (57.0%; OR=2.67 95%CI 1.65–4.32; p<0.001) than in PSO (34.3%; OR=1.05 95% CI 0.73–1.51; p<0.001) compared to controls (33.1%). Both PsA and PSO groups showed more sites and teeth with 4-6mm probing depth (PD) and had higher OIDP scores than controls (p<0.001), thus indicating worse self-reported quality of life. PE, PSO+PE and consumption of alcohol/anxiolytics significantly influenced OHRQoL (p<0.05). The influence of periodontal parameters on OHRQoL was observed for the presence of PE; PD >6 mm; clinical attachment level >6 mm; higher plaque index, % sites and teeth with bleeding on probing (p<0.05).ConclusionNegative impacts of PE on the OHRQoL were demonstrated. The ones having PSO and especially PsA and PE presented significantly worse indicators.
Non-Medical Management of Hypertension and Its associated Factors among Hypertensive Patients Attending Public Hospitals in Hawassa City, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Meheret , Eshetu Merihun , Tefessse Feleke , Geleta Dereje 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundHypertension is a major health issue, affecting the young population worldwide. A non-medical management approach can decrease the effects of high blood pressure levels in hypertensive patients. Even though NMM is one of the most effective ways to prevent & control hypertension, only little emphasis has been given to it compared with treating hypertension with medication. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the practice of non-medical management of hypertension and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending selected public hospitals in Hawassa City, Sidama, Ethiopia.MethodFacility based cross-sectional study was conducted from April-May 2023. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants, and data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was entered into Epi-Data version 4.2 and exported into SPSS version 26 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the association between dependent variables and independent variables.ResultThe study revealed that 62.3 % of participants had good practice of non-medical management of hypertension (95%CI: 56.5-67.3). Additionally, 74.7 % had good knowledge, (AOR=2.054; 95% CI: 1.180-3.575, P-value=0.011) and 65% exhibited favourable attitudes towards non-medical management of hypertension (AOR =2.368; 95% CI: 1.354-4.141, p-value=0.003). Factors such as good knowledge, rural residence (AOR=1.939 95% CI, 0.943, 3.987, P-value=0.072) and having a family history of hypertension (AOR=1.764; 95% CI: 1.073-2.899, p-value=0.025) were statistically significant in association with non-medical management practice.ConclusionThis study found that nearly two-thirds of participants demonstrated good practice of non-medical management of Hypertension. Good knowledge, favourable attitude towards non-medical management, rural residence and having a family history of hypertension were significantly associated with non-medical management of hypertension.Therefore, public health interventions focusing on non-medical management of hypertension and strengthening NCD control programs are essential. Moreover, the provision of targeted Health education and behavioural change communication to patients can improve disease knowledge and improve Non-medical management practices.
Inhibition of Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long Chain Isozymes Decreases Multiple Myeloma Cell Proliferation and Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Murphy Connor S. , DeMambro Victoria E. , Fadel Samaa , Fairfield Heather , Garter Carlos A. , Rodriguez Princess , Qiang Ya-Wei , Vary Calvin P. H. , Reagan Michaela R. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTMultiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable cancer of plasma cells with a 5-year survival rate of 59%. Dysregulation of fatty acid (FA) metabolism is associated with MM development and progression; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family members (ACSLs) convert free long-chain fatty acids into fatty acyl-CoA esters and play key roles in catabolic and anabolic fatty acid metabolism. The Cancer Dependency Map data suggested that ACSL3 and ACSL4 were among the top 25% Hallmark Fatty Acid Metabolism genes that support MM fitness. Here, we show that inhibition of ACSLs in human myeloma cell lines using the pharmacological inhibitor Triascin C (TriC) causes apoptosis and decreases proliferation in a dose– and time-dependent manner. RNA-seq of MM.1S cells treated with TriC for 24 h showed a significant enrichment in apoptosis, ferroptosis, and ER stress. Proteomics of MM.1S cells treated with TriC for 48 h revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative phosphorylation were significantly enriched pathways of interest, consistent with our observations of decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial superoxide levels. Interestingly, MM.1S cells treated with TriC for 24 h also showed decreased mitochondrial ATP production rates and overall lower cellular respiration.ImplicationsOverall, our data support the hypothesis that suppression of ACSL in human MM cells inhibit their growth and viability, indicating that ACSL proteins may be promising therapeutic targets in treating myeloma progression.