bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community Health workers United to Reduce Colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease among people at Higher risk (CHURCH): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Williams Olajide , Ting Tina , Matthews Lisa , Block Gladys , Block Torin , Teresi Jeanne , Eimicke Joseph , Kong Jian , Silver Stephanie , Ravenell Joseph , Mallaiah Janhavi , Jammalamadaka Soujanya , Nelson Laura Maudene , Karmally Wahida , Hankerson Sidney 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most lethal cancer in the United States (U.S.) with the highest incidence and mortality rates among African Americans (AAs) compared to other racial groups. Despite these disparities, AAs are the least likely to undergo CRC screening, have precancerous colorectal polys removed, and have CRC detected at stages early enough for curative excision. In addition, compelling evidence links inflammatory dietary patterns to increased CRC and cardiovascular disease risk. Studies show that AA churches can successfully engage in health promotion activities including those related to cancer control. The current study seeks to leverage church-placed Community Health Workers (CHWs) to increase CRC screening and reduce CRC risk.
Design and Methods: We aim to (1) increase guideline concordant CRC screening uptake using church-placed CHWs trained in screening with a validated instrument, Brief Intervention using Motivational Interviewing, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT); and (2) reduce dietary risk factors (inflammatory dietary patterns) linked to CRC. The latter will be addressed by culturally adapting an existing, web-based lifestyle program called Alive!. Using a Hybrid Type 1 Implementation-Effectiveness cluster randomized design, we will randomize 22 AA churches into either the dual intervention arm (CHW-led SBIRT intervention plus Alive!) or a usual care arm comprised of CRC prevention educational pamphlets and a list of CRC screening sites. We will recruit 440 subjects and evaluate the effects of both arms on screening uptake (colonoscopy, fecal DNA) (primary outcome) and dietary inflammation score (secondary outcome) at 6-months follow up, and Life Simple7 (LS7) - a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score - at 6 months and 1-year (secondary outcome). Finally, guided by a racism-conscious adaptation of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we will conduct a mixed- methods process evaluation with key stakeholders to understand multi-level influences on CRC screening and CVD risk behaviors.
Discussion: Church-placed CHWs are trusted influential connectors between communities and health systems. Studies have shown that these CHWs can successfully implement health prevention protocols in churches, including those related to cancer control, making them potentially important community mediators of CRC screening uptake and CRC/CVD risk reduction.
Trial registration: NCT05174286
Breast cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles promote human umbilical vein endothelial cells proliferation and migration by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Sun Lingxian , Zhang Jun , Chen Yufei , Li Tao , Yu Qiwen , Sun Xiaochun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells are closely related to tumor progression, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in this process. EVs derived from breast cancer cells also affect the biological characteristics of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to promote tumor progression. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, EVs derived from MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells were extracted at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 40 μg/ml). Specific concentrations of breast cancer cell line EVs (10, 20, and 40 μg/ml) significantly increased the proliferation, Colony formation, and migration of HUVECs (P < 0.05) compared to MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell-derived EVs. There was no significant difference in the expression levels of total JAK2 and STAT3 protein (P < 0.05), while the expression levels of P-JAK2 and P-STAT3 protein increased significantly (P < 0.05). In conclusion, EVs derived from breast cancer cells may promote the proliferation and migration of HUVECs by regulating the phosphorylation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Experimental amplification and squeezing of a motional state of an optically levitated nanoparticle
Authors: Šiler Martin , Duchaň Martin , Jákl Petr , Brzobohaty Oto , Rakhubovsky Andrey , Filip Radim , Zemánek Pavel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A contactless control of fluctuations of phase space variables of a nanoobject belongs among the key methods needed for ultra-precise nanotechnology and the upcoming quantum technology of macroscopic systems. Here we utilize the experimental platform of a single levitating nanoparticle (NP) to demonstrate essential protocols providing linear amplification of the mechanical phase space variables together with squeezing of phase space probability distribution. The protocol combines a controlled fast switching between the parabolic trapping potential and either weak parabolic or inverted parabolic amplifying potential leading to amplification of mean value and variance (fluctuations) along an arbitrary phase space variable and squeezing along the complementary one. The protocol is completed with cold damping scheme to control the initial fluctuations of the NP phase space variables. We reached the amplification gain |G|>2, the squeezing coefficient above 4 dB, and the second-order energy correlation function approaching 3 which corresponds to a maximum for a stochastic non-equilibrium classical state. These experimental results will already allow pre-amplification and manipulation of nanomechanical NP motion for all quantum protocols if the NP cooling towards the ground state is applied.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Presenting with Increased Platelet Count
Authors: zhang yang , Hao Yongchen , Liu Jun , Yang Na , Smith Sidney , Huo Yong , Fonarow Gregg , Ge Junbo , Morgan Louise , Sun Zhaoqing , Hu Danqing , Yang Yiqian , Ma Chang-Sheng , Zhao Dong , Han Yaling , Liu Jing , Zeng Yong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose The goal of this study was to explore whether the clinical benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are sustained in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with abnormally increased platelet counts (PC). Methods Patients with elevated PC enrolled in the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China–Acute Coronary Syndrome Project between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019 were evaluated. Elevated PC was defined as a baseline PC ≥ 300 × 109/L. The primary outcome was net adverse clinical events (NACEs), which included major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and stent thrombosis) and major bleeding, during the index hospitalization. The risk of NACEs was compared between the PCI and non-PCI arms by multivariable analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting. Results Among 4,526 patients, the proportion of patients receiving PCI decreased with increasing PC, and 3,046 patients ultimately underwent PCI. Those patients had a lower rate of NACEs (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37–0.78; P = 0.001) and a lower risk for ischemic events (adjusted OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.22–0.50; P < 0.001). No in-group differences in major bleeding were identified (adjusted OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 0.62–3.18; P = 0.41). Similar findings were obtained in inverse probability of treatment weighting. Conclusion In ACS patients with increased PC who have more complex thrombohemorrhagic profile, PCI can effectively reduce the risk of ischemic events without increasing the risk of bleeding. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier: NCT02306616.
GATA2 deficiency with early-onset interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Sugiura Yuriko , Ando Takahiro , Urushiyama Hirokazu , Mitani Akihisa , Tanaka Goh , Kashimada Kenichi , Morio Tomohiro , Kage Hidenori 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
GATA2 deficiency is a rare disease caused by a germline heterozygous mutation in the GATA2 gene. This mutation is known to cause a decrease in hematopoietic stem cells and a decrease in monocytes, dendritic cells, NK cells, and B cells, leading to various diseases such as hematological, infectious, and respiratory diseases.
Case presentation:
In this study, we present a case in which a patient in her 20s developed sensorineural hearing loss, schizophrenia, and interstitial pneumonia, leading to the diagnosis of GATA2 deficiency. The patient later developed pulmonary hypertension as the interstitial pneumonia progressed.
Conclusions
Early-onset interstitial pneumonia may be a rare phenotype of GATA2 deficiency.
High-resolution full-field structural microscopy of the voltage-induced filament formation in VO2-based neuromorphic devices
Authors: Kisiel Elliot , Salev Pavel , Poudyal Ishwor , Carneiro Fellipe , Rodolakis Fanny , Zhang Zhan , Shpyrko Oleg , Schuller Ivan , Islam Zahir , Frano Alex 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Neuromorphic functions in memristive devices, linked to electrically induced resistive switching to form conductive pathways, could be made more efficient by insights into filament formation at micro- and mesoscopic levels. Despite extensive research on VO2, a key material for its filament formation, local operando structural measurements are highly challenging and often involve destructive specimen preparation and long rastering time, which greatly limits the scope of experimental studies. Utilizing dark-field X-ray microscopy (DFXM), a novel full-field X-ray imaging technique, we explored structural signatures of the filament formation process operando in VO2 devices. Our DFXM experiments display that rutile filaments contain isolated monoclinic clusters, indicating structural non-uniformity of the filament. We also show that the formation of the rutile phase beneath device electrodes precedes filament development, with filament paths then guided by nucleation sites within the device. Finally, we observed a new medium-term memory mechanism in VO2 mediated by sites that tend to switch at significantly lower voltages after electrical cycling, a tendency that persists through brief cooling. High spatial resolution, large field-of-view, structure selectivity, and fast signal acquisition of DFXM enabled first-of-their-kind measurements providing unprecedented insight into subtle structural features of the filamentary channel and surrounding regions during voltage cycling.
Enhancing Thermostability of Bacillus licheniformis Lipase with LEA Peptide Co-expression System.
Authors: Almansoori Ammar Khazaal Kadhim , Yu Kang Siang , Mohamed Faisal , Ikeno Shinya , Patil Rajesh B. , G Ropón-Palacios , Rahim Rashidah Abdul 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Heterozygous protein expression in E. coli facilitates high yield and quality. However, the challenges of protein instability due to environmental stress are still an issue that affects the activity of the protein produced. In this study, the improvement of protein thermostability was done using a peptide co-expression system. The developed system exploited the usefulness of Late Abundant Embryogenesis (LEA) proteins to protect proteins from damage. Recombinant lipase from Bacillus licheniformis was expressed along with the LEA-like peptide, whose design was inspired by the 11 repetitive amino acid sequences of the LEA protein. In total, four LEA-like peptide co-expression systems were assessed. The evaluation of improvements in protein thermostability was conducted using a standard lipase assay. The purified lipase was challenged at 45 °C, a higher temperature than its optimal temperature. Two-fold lipase activity was recorded from the protein co-expressed with the LEA-II-like peptide. Based on amino acid sequence comparison, LEA-II has the advantage of containing more polar residues with several aliphatic amino acids, which may improve LipAB.licheniformis-LEA II complex stability at higher temperatures. Next, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation were employed to analyze the stability of the lipase in the presence and absence of LEA II. The findings of the RMSD, MM-GBSA and related analyses showed that the LipAB.licheniformis-LEA II complexes have better stability than the LipAB.licheniformis alone, thus supporting the lipase assay. These findings successfully unravel the potential of the LEA-like peptide co-expression system as a novel approach to improve enzyme thermostability.
Implementation and Optimization of SpMV algorithm based on SW26010P many-core processor and stored in BCSR format
Authors: Ma Mengfei , Huang Xianqing , Xu Jiali , Jia Dongning 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The irregular distribution of non-zero elements of large-scale sparse matrix leads to low data access efficiency caused by the unique architecture of the Sunway many-core processor, which brings great challenges to the efficient implementation of sparse matrix-vector multiplication (SpMV) computing by SW26010P many-core processor. To address this problem, a study of SpMV optimization strategies is carried out based on the SW26010P many-core processor. Firstly, we design a memorized data storage transformation strategy to transform the matrix in CSR storage format into BCSR storage. Secondly, the dynamic task scheduling method is introduced to the algorithm to realize the load balance between slave cores. Thirdly, the LDM memory is refined and designed, and the slave core dual cache strategy is optimized to further improve the performance. Finally, we selected a large number of representative sparse matrices from the Matrix Market for testing. The results show that the scheme has obviously speedup the processing procedure of sparse matrices with various sizes and sizes, and the master-slave speedup ratio can reach up to 38 times. The optimization method used in this paper has implications for other complex applications of the SW26010P many-core processor.
Effects of C-reactive protein and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio on cognitive dysfunction after basal ganglia hemorrhage
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Mei , Xue Min , Hu Pan-pan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the effects of C-reactive protein(CRP) and the neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio(NLR) on cognitive dysfunction after spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage.
Methods
263 patients with spontaneous basal ganglia cerebral hemorrhage admitted to our hospital from September 2021 to January 2024 were selected as the study objects.Cognitive function was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) after six months and divided into cognitive dysfunction group and normal cognitive function group.The level of CRP and NLR were compared between the two groups.The correlation between the level and degree of cognitive impairment was analyzed, and the correlation factors of cognitive impairment in spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage were studied by single factor, ROC curve and Logistic regression analysis.
Results
Among 263 patients, 120 (45.63%) had cognitive impairment after basal ganglia hemorrhage.The CRP and NLR in the cognitive dysfunction group were significantly higher than those in the normal cognitive function group (P < 0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) score, amount of bleeding, white blood cells(WBC), absolute neutrophil count(ANC), NLR and CRP were associated with cognitive impairment after spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage.The area under the curve(AUC) of NLR was 83.1%, and the CRP was 77.4%.The NLR and CRP were the optimal predictive variables,The optimal prediction thresholds of ROC analysis were 3.88 and 3.34.Logistic regression analysis found that after adjusting for confounding factors, NLR and CRP were still independently associated with cognitive impairment after basal ganglia hemorrhage (OR = 1.38,95%CI: 1.15–1.64, P < 0.001) and (OR = 1.42,95%CI: 1.19–1.85, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The NLR and CRP in the acute stage of spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage were independently associated with cognitive dysfunction after 6 months, suggesting that NLR and CRP may be the important biomarkers for predicting cognitive dysfunction after spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage.
Association of different combination doses of remifentanil-propofol with transcranial motor-evoked potentials during skull base surgery
Authors: Hou Ruixue , Xiao Wei , Miao Fangfang , Yin Cheng , Jin Di , Duan Qingfang , Wang Tianlong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Monitoring of transcranial electrical motor evoked potentials (TceMEPs) is widely used in neurosurgery. The association of different combination doses of remifentanil-propofol in total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with TceMEPs during surgery remains uncertain.
Methods
In this prospective observational study, consecutive patients (aged 18–65 years) who underwent skull base surgery under general anesthesia at our clinical center between April 2021 and April 2023 were included. All patients were anesthetised with propofol-remifentanil TIVA and maintained at a Bispectral Index of 40–60. The association between different combination doses of remifentanil-propofol and the change in TceMEP amplitude from baseline was assessed using a multivariable model adjusted for confounders and a response surface model. Besides, anesthetic dose, extubation time, pain score at 24h postoperatively and unexpected body movements during surgery were recorded.
Results
A total of 240 patients (mean age, 49.3 [SD, 12.1] years; 107 [44.6%] women) who underwent skull base surgery were included in this study. Our study showed that an increase in propofol dose was significantly associated with a constant increase in the Log of the change in TceMEP amplitude (β = 0.29 [95%CI: 0.01 to 0.58], p = 0.046) after adjustment. Increasing remifentanil was not associated with Log (change in TceMEP amplitude) (β = 0.33 [95%CI: -2.1 to 2.76], p = 0.79) after adjustment. In addition, through the response surface analysis, we found that when the propofol infusion was less than 2.96 mg/kg/h and the remifentanil infusion was greater than 0.24 µg/kg/min, the more the remifentanil infusion was, the less impact it had on the changes in TceMEP. When the propofol infusion was greater than 2.96 mg/kg/h, as the propofol infusion increased, it had a greater impact on the changes in TceMEP. Pearson’s test showed a correlation between propofol and remifentanil dose at BIS 40–60 (γ= -0.4637, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
In this study, propofol reduced TceMEP amplitude in a dose-dependent manner. Due to the synergistic interactions between propofol and remifentanil, remifentanil could reduce the amount of propofol at the same anesthesia depth, a propofol infusion rate less than 2.96mg/kg/h and a remifentanil rate greater than 0.24 µg/kg/min is recommended in neurosurgery requiring TceMEP monitoring.
Changes in sexual behavior among MSM during the spread of COVID-19 in China: results of an online survey
Authors: Lv Hang , Feng Yunlong , Huang Shanzi , Li Jiarun , Tang Weiming , Zhou Yi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Sexual behavior drives the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aims to evaluate the sexual behavior changed among MSM during the COVID-19.
Methods
An online survey was conducted to collect socio-demographic, sexual behavioral, and HIV testing information before and during the COVID-19. Chi-square was used to determine the behavior differences before and during the COVID-19. We identified the factors associated with sexual behavior among MSM using logistic regression.
Results
Totally 506 MSM participated in the survey. Compared with participants who didn't reduce the number of sexual partners (193, 38.1%), participants who reduced sexual partners (313, 61.9%) had higher values of multiple sexual partners, causal sexual partners, used condoms with causal sexual partners, and sought sexual partners using apps. Participants who reduced the number of sexual partners than before COVID-19, reported having a higher proportion of causal sexual behavior (χ2 = 21.047, p < 0.001), which means engaged in casual sex in the last three months.
Conclusions
The lockdown measures significantly impacted the sexual behavior of MSM. After the epidemic is over, however, we need to increase health education for MSM to reduce their high-risk sexual behaviors and protect them from STDs.
Evaluation of a multiplex Real-time PCR kit for simultaneous diagnosis of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum
Authors: Jiang Ni , Huang Ming-yao , Jiang Lie-jun , Tan Chun-yan , Mo Zhi-jiang , Zhou Ying , Huang Xue-mei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the newly commercial PCR Kit (RepoDx) for Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Ureaplasma parvum (UP) detection.
Methods: A total of 572 genital tract swabs were tested. The kit performance for UU and UP detection was compared to that of Sanger sequencing, targeting specific regions within the UUR10_0680 and UP063 genes.
Results: The RepoDx PCR kit showed an overall agreement (accuracy) of 96.31% (95%CI = 0.9441-0.9770, kappa = 0.940) for UU/UP with sequencing, offering over 93% positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) for detecting UU and UP. However, NPA dropped significantly with Mycoplasma hominis (MH) co-infection [NPA (UU-, UP-, MH-) vs. NPA (UU-, UP-, MH+): 93.86% vs. 65.22%], suggesting MH might interfere with Repodx PCR kit, meriting further investigation due to the significantly lower prevalence of MH than Ureaplasma in this study.
Conclusions: Multiplex real-time PCR kit is a convenient method for the simultaneous detection of UU and UP. The overall agreement of the RepoDx PCR kit was comparable to that of the sequencing method.
99m Tc-Labelled Photoacoustic Imaging Probe for Detection of Bacterial Infection
Authors: Swann Rowan , Hernández-Valdés Daniel , Silva Luis Rafael , Marfatia Yusra Mahmood , El-Zaria Mohamed E. , Genady Afaf R. , Kwiecien Jacek M. , Valliant John F. , Sadeghi Saman 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The development of a non-invasive infection-specific diagnostic probe holds the potential to vastly improve early-stage detection of infection, enabling precise therapeutic intervention and potentially reducing the incidence of antibiotic resistance. Towards this goal, a commercially available bacteria-targeting Zinc (II)-dipicolylamine (ZnDPA)-derived fluorophore, PSVue794, was assessed as a photoacoustic (PA) imaging probe (PIP). A radiolabeled version of the dye, [99mTc]Tc-PSVue794, was developed to facilitate quantitative biodistribution studies beyond optical imaging methods, which showed a target-to-non-target ratio of 10.1 ± 1.1, 12 hrs post-injection. The ability of the PIP to differentiate between bacterial infection, sterile inflammation, and healthy tissue in a mouse model, was then evaluated via PA imaging. The PA signal in sites of sterile inflammation (0.062 ± 0.012 a.u.) was not statistically different from that of the background (0.058 ± 0.006 a.u.). In contrast, high PA contrast was detected at sites of bacterial infection (0.176 ± 0.011 a.u.) as compared to background (0.081 ± 0.04 a.u., where P ≤ 0.03). This work demonstrates the potential of utilizing established fluorophores towards PAI and utilizing PAI as a modality in the distinction of bacterial infection from sites of sterile inflammation.