bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acceptance and feasibility of a low-threshold and substitution services-based periodical monitoring system for blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections among people who inject drugs in Germany: a mixed-methods analysis
Authors: Krings Amrei , Steffen Gyde , Zimmermann Ruth ,   the DRUCK 2.0-study group
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
To reach the global elimination goals of viral hepatitis B and C (HBC, HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections as a public health threat by 2030, monitoring is needed. Staff members of drug services and opioid substitution treatment (OST) practices in Berlin and Bavaria recruited clients for a pilot study addressing the respective infections among people who injected drugs (PWID) in Germany, 2021/2022. Participants filled a questionnaire and were tested for HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis using dried blood spots (DBS). We evaluated the study design to implement a feasible and accepted nationwide periodical monitoring among PWID and serve as an example for the implementation of similar monitoring systems in other countries.

Methods
A mixed-methods design was used, including focus group discussions with study participants and staff members and a semi-quantitative questionnaire filled by the latter. Aspects covered were the setting for recruitment, study preparation for staff members, willingness of clients to participate, the study questionnaire, blood collection and return of results.

Results
The majority (96%) of 668 study participants were recruited in low-threshold services, drug consumption rooms and OST-practices. Flexibility of recruiting study participants during routine work or testing weeks/days was important to the facilities. Collaborations with local AIDS services helped cope with the work load of data collection. The need to train staff for DBS collection was highlighted. Study participants welcomed the testing opportunity in familiar places. Study participants frequently needed assistance to complete the study questionnaire. Return of results was considered as ethically mandatory by staff members but referral to treatment remained challenging.

Conclusions
For a successful monitoring time flexibility and adequate training are essential. Individual benefits for study participants by receiving their test results should be ensured and referral networks with infectiology practices may increase number of infected PWID receiving treatment. Overall, the evaluation confirmed that a monitoring through drug services and OST-practices is feasible and well accepted in Germany. Beyond that it shows important lessons learnt for the implementation in other countries.
Successful multidisciplinary treatment for synchronous advanced esophageal and cecal cancers after total gastrectomy with reconstruction by jejunal interposition
Authors: Sato Yuta , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Kazuo , Horaguchi Takeshi , Fukada Masahiro , Sengoku Yuki , Yasufuku Itaru , Asai Ryuichi , Tajima Jesse Yu , Kiyama Shigeru , Kato Takazumi , Murase Katsutoshi , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by field cancerization, wherein multiple cancers occur in the esophagus, head and neck, and stomach. Synchronous esophageal and colorectal cancers are also encountered with a certain frequency. A good prognosis can be expected if the tumors in both locations can be safely and completely removed. For patients with multiple cancers that occur simultaneously with esophageal cancer, it is necessary to perform a staged operation, taking into consideration the associated surgical invasiveness. It is also necessary to select multidisciplinary treatment depending on the degree of progression of the multiple lesions. We report our rare experience with a staged operation for a patient with synchronous advanced cancers of the esophagus and cecum who had previously undergone total gastrectomy with reconstruction by jejunal interposition for gastric cancer.

Case presentation
A 71-year-old man with a history of reconstruction by jejunal interposition after total gastrectomy was diagnosed as having multiple synchronous esophageal and cecal cancers. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we performed a planned two-stage operation, with esophagectomy and jejunostomy in the first stage and ileocecal resection and jejunal reconstruction with vascular anastomosis in the second. Postoperatively, the patient was relieved without major complications, and both tumors were amenable to curative pathologic resection.

Conclusions
Our procedure reported here may be recommended as an option for staged resection and reconstruction in patients with simultaneous advanced esophageal and cecal cancer after total gastrectomy.
Patient interest in the development of a center for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/hypermobility spectrum disorder in the ﻿Chicagoland region
Authors: Wagner Wendy , Doyle Tom A. , Francomano Clair A. , Knight Dacre R. T. , Halverson Colin M. E. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a group of connective tissue disorders that are hereditary in nature and characterized by joint hypermobility and tissue fragility. The complex nature of this unique patient population requires multidisciplinary care, but appropriate centers for such care do not exist in large portions of the country. Need for more integrated services has been identified in Chicagoland, or Chicago and its suburbs. In order to explore and begin to address barriers to seeking appropriate care facing EDS patients in this region, we developed an online survey which we circulated through EDS social media groups for Chicagoland patients.

Results
Three hundred and nine unique respondents participated. We found that there exists a strong medical need for and interest in the development of a center in the region, and participants reported that, if made available to them, they would make extensive and regular use of such a facility.

Conclusions
We conclude that the establishment of a collaborative medical center specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of EDS, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, and related disorders in the Chicagoland area would greatly benefit patients by providing comprehensive care, alleviate the burden on overworked healthcare providers, and contribute to the sustainability of medical facilities.
Photoautotrophic cultivation of a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant with zeaxanthin as the sole xanthophyll
Authors: Kim Minjae , Cazzaniga Stefano , Jang Junhwan , Pivato Matteo , Kim Gueeda , Ballottari Matteo , Jin EonSeon 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Photosynthetic microalgae are known for their sustainable and eco-friendly potential to convert carbon dioxide into valuable products. Nevertheless, the challenge of self-shading due to high cell density has been identified as a drawback, hampering productivity in sustainable photoautotrophic mass cultivation. To address this issue, mutants with altered pigment composition have been proposed to allow a more efficient light diffusion but further study on the role of the different pigments is still needed to correctly engineer this process.

Results
We here investigated the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Δzl mutant with zeaxanthin as the sole xanthophyll. The Δzl mutant displayed altered pigment composition, characterized by lower chlorophyll content, higher chlorophyll a/b ratio, and lower chlorophyll/carotenoid ratio compared to the wild type (Wt). The Δzl mutant also exhibited a significant decrease in the light-harvesting complex II/Photosystem II ratio (LHCII/PSII) and the absence of trimeric LHCIIs. This significantly affects the organization and stability of PSII supercomplexes. Consequently, the estimated functional antenna size of PSII in the Δzl mutant was approximately 60% smaller compared to that of Wt, and reduced PSII activity was evident in this mutant. Notably, the Δzl mutant showed impaired non-photochemical quenching. However, the Δzl mutant compensated by exhibiting enhanced cyclic electron flow compared to Wt, seemingly offsetting the impaired PSII functionality. Consequently, the Δzl mutant achieved significantly higher cell densities than Wt under high-light conditions.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight significant changes in pigment content and pigment–protein complexes in the Δzl mutant compared to Wt, resulting in an advantage for high-density photoautotrophic cultivation. This advantage is attributed to the decreased chlorophyll content of the Δzl mutant, allowing better light penetration. In addition, the accumulated zeaxanthin in the mutant could serve as an antioxidant, offering protection against reactive oxygen species generated by chlorophylls.
Cystic echinococcosis in cattle and sheep caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto genotypes G1 and G3 in the USA
Authors: Jesudoss Chelladurai Jeba R. J. , Quintana Theresa A. , Johnson William L. , Schmidt Carrie , Righter Daniel , Howey Erin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Endemic domestic dog-ruminant cycles and human cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus have been sporadically reported in the United States. However, there is a paucity of molecular data describing the genotypes and haplotypes of this important cestode in domestic ruminant hosts.

Methods
Ninety-four cysts from the lungs and/or livers of slaughtered beef cattle (76 samples), dairy cows (five samples) and sheep (13 samples) were collected from abattoirs in four states of the USA. Samples were genotyped at two mitochondrial loci, cox1 and nad5. Sequences were used to determine species, genotypes and haplotypes using median joining networks and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses. Cyst fertility was assessed in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. Additionally, previously reported autochthonous E. granulosus infections in the USA in various hosts were mapped.

Results
Based on cox1 sequences obtained from 94 cysts, 89 (94.7%) were identified as E. granulosus G1/G3, while five (5.3%) were Taenia hydatigena. Taenia hydatigena were only isolated from sheep. Based on nad5 sequences obtained from 89 hydatid cysts, 96.6% and 3.4% belonged to E. granulosus sensu stricto genotypes G1 and G3 respectively. Two haplotypes were found among E. granulosus cox1 sequences, neither of which was geographically unique. Six haplotypes were found among nad5 sequences in genotype G1, of which five were novel, while one haplotype was found in genotype G3. In the concatenated cox1-nad5 dataset, seven haplotypes were identified, of which six were geographically unique. All cysts from cattle were non-fertile. Four cysts from sheep were fertile.

Conclusions
All genotyped samples belonged to E. granulosus s.s. This is the first study to our knowledge to confirm the presence of genotypes G1 and G3 in domestic cattle and sheep intermediate hosts in the USA and provide data for future diagnostic and epidemiological studies. Sequences have been deposited in GenBank (cox1 sequences: OR398494-OR398496, nad5 sequences: OR400695-OR400702).

Graphical Abstract
Differences in the treatment needs of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies and their caregivers and differences in their physicians’ awareness of those treatment needs according to the clinical department visited by the patients: a subanalysis of an observational survey study
Authors: Ikeda Manabu , Toya Shunji , Manabe Yuta , Yamakage Hajime , Hashimoto Mamoru 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
We investigated whether the treatment needs of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and their caregivers, along with their attending physicians’ perception of those treatment needs, differ according to the clinical department visited by the patients.

Methods
This was a subanalysis of a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational survey study. Data from the main study were classified according to the clinical department visited by the patient: psychiatric group (P-group), geriatric internal medicine group (G-group), and neurology group (N-group). The treatment needs of patients and caregivers were defined as “the symptom that causes them the most distress”, and the frequency of each answer was tabulated.

Results
This subanalysis included 134, 65, and 49 patient–caregiver pairs in the P-, G-, and N-groups, respectively. Statistically significant differences in patient background characteristics such as patient age; initial symptom domains; use of cholinesterase inhibitors, levodopa, antipsychotics, and Yokukansan; and total scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory-12, and Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Parts II and III were shown among the three subgroups. While there were no differences in patients’ treatment needs among the subgroups, residual analysis showed that in the N-group, parkinsonism was more of a problem than other symptom domains (p = 0.001). There were significant differences in caregivers’ treatment needs among the three subgroups (p < 0.001). The patient–physician concordance rates for the symptom domains that caused patients the most distress were: P-group, 42.9% (kappa coefficient [κ] = 0.264); G-group, 33.3% (κ = 0.135), and N-group, 67.6% (κ = 0.484). The caregiver–physician concordance rates for the symptom domains that caused the caregivers the most distress were: P-group, 54.8% (κ = 0.351), G-group, 50.0% (κ = 0.244), and N-group, 47.4% (κ = 0.170).

Conclusion
This subanalysis revealed differences in the treatment needs of patients with DLB and their caregivers according to the clinical department they attended. There might be a lack of awareness of those treatment needs by the attending physicians, regardless of their specialty.

Trial registration
UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000041844.
Image quality and metal artifact reduction in total hip arthroplasty CT: deep learning-based algorithm versus virtual monoenergetic imaging and orthopedic metal artifact reduction
Authors: Selles Mark , Wellenberg Ruud H. H. , Slotman Derk J. , Nijholt Ingrid M. , van Osch Jochen A. C. , van Dijke Kees F. , Maas Mario , Boomsma Martijn F. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
To compare image quality, metal artifacts, and diagnostic confidence of conventional computed tomography (CT) images of unilateral total hip arthroplasty patients (THA) with deep learning-based metal artifact reduction (DL-MAR) to conventional CT and 130-keV monoenergetic images with and without orthopedic metal artifact reduction (O-MAR).

Methods
Conventional CT and 130-keV monoenergetic images with and without O-MAR and DL-MAR images of 28 unilateral THA patients were reconstructed. Image quality, metal artifacts, and diagnostic confidence in bone, pelvic organs, and soft tissue adjacent to the prosthesis were jointly scored by two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) between bladder and fat and muscle and fat were measured. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Holm-Bonferroni correction were used.

Results
Significantly higher image quality, higher diagnostic confidence, and less severe metal artifacts were observed on DL-MAR and images with O-MAR compared to images without O-MAR (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Higher image quality, higher diagnostic confidence for bone and soft tissue adjacent to the prosthesis, and less severe metal artifacts were observed on DL-MAR when compared to conventional images and 130-keV monoenergetic images with O-MAR (p ≤ 0.014). CNRs were higher for DL-MAR and images with O-MAR compared to images without O-MAR (p < 0.001). Higher CNRs were observed on DL-MAR images compared to conventional images and 130-keV monoenergetic images with O-MAR (p ≤ 0.010).

Conclusions
DL-MAR showed higher image quality, diagnostic confidence, and superior metal artifact reduction compared to conventional CT images and 130-keV monoenergetic images with and without O-MAR in unilateral THA patients.

Relevance statement
DL-MAR resulted into improved image quality, stronger reduction of metal artifacts, and improved diagnostic confidence compared to conventional and virtual monoenergetic images with and without metal artifact reduction, bringing DL-based metal artifact reduction closer to clinical application.

Key points
• Metal artifacts introduced by total hip arthroplasty hamper radiologic assessment on CT.
• A deep-learning algorithm (DL-MAR) was compared to dual-layer CT images with O-MAR.
• DL-MAR showed best image quality and diagnostic confidence.
• Highest contrast-to-noise ratios were observed on the DL-MAR images.

Graphical Abstract
Integrated model construction for state of charge estimation in electric vehicle lithium batteries
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Dun Wenxin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis research addresses the issue of State of Charge (SOC) prediction for electric vehicle batteries by employing a dynamic Kalman neural network model. The model is optimized using a Genetic algorithm to adjust the neural network weights. Additionally, a strategy involving support vector machines for model optimization is proposed. This strategy involves preprocessing the data, selecting appropriate kernel functions for training, and merging prediction results to enhance the stability of the model. Results indicated that the Dynamic Genetic Kalman Neural Network (DGKNN) model achieved the minimum prediction error percentage of only 0.1529% when the correction coefficient was set to 0.7. The DGKNN model consistently exhibited the lowest error percentage, average absolute error, mean square error, and root mean square error when handling small, medium, and large datasets. For instance, in the small dataset, the error percentage was only 0.1518, and the root mean square error was only 0.0604. The research findings demonstrated that the proposed model exhibited high real-time accuracy in predicting battery SOC, enabling real-time monitoring of battery operating parameters. The method proposed in this study can accurately predict the state of battery charge, extend the life of battery packs, and improve the performance of electric vehicles. It has important significance for promoting the development of the electric vehicle industry.
A pair of soybean malectin-like domain-containing receptor-like kinases jointly regulate pattern-triggered immunity by forming hetero-oligomers
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wang Dongmei , He Zhuoyuan , Bao Yazhou , Wang Xiaodan , Xu Guangyuan , Yang Jun , Dou Daolong , Feng Xianzhong , Liang Xiangxiu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPlant cells perceive pathogen invasion by recognizing microbial patterns using plasma-membrane-localized pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) to initiate pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), which confers a moderate immunity to most microbes. For instance, the PRR FLS2 (FLAGELLIN SENSING 2) recognizes bacterial flagellin in the presence of the co-receptor BAK1 and activates a series of PTI responses, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. We previously showed that soybean malectin/malectin-like domain-containing receptor-like kinase (MRLK) protein GmLMM1 negatively regulates PTI by suppressing FLS2-BAK1 interaction. GmLMM1 replicates in tandem with five other GmMRLKs on chromosome 13. Here, we show that GmMRLK32, the closest homolog to GmLMM1 among the tandem genes of GmLMM1, negatively regulates PTI and disease resistance against bacterial and oomycete pathogens. The Gmmrlk32 mutant showed enhanced flg22-induced ROS burst and MAPK activation. We revealed that GmMRLK32 interacts with GmFLS2 and GmBAK1, and suppresses flg22-induced GmFLS2-GmBAK1 dimerization in a manner similar to that of GmLMM1. We further showed that GmMRLK32 specifically interacts with GmLMM1 to regulate PTI. In Nicotiana benthamiana plants, co-expression of GmMRLK32 and GmLMM1 showed a stronger PTI inhibitory effect on PTI activation than expression of GmMRLK32 or GmLMM1 alone. We uncovered a novel mechanism by which GmMRLK32 and GmLMM1 coordinately regulate PTI by forming hetero-oligomer.
Solvent fractions of Vitellaria paradoxa root extract suppress phenylhydrazine-mediated jaundice in Wistar rats
Authors: Anyebe Daniel Abu , Turaki Abdullahi Aliyu , Yusuf Abdulrahman Bashir , Shemishere Ufuoma Bigila , Okwanya Musa Idu , Tajudeen Yahaya 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
In the first few days of life, jaundice has continued to be a major health concern. It typically manifests as a yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera as a result of bilirubin deposition from excessively high concentrations in the body. It affects 80% of preterm and 60% of term new-borns within the first seven days of life, which is of great concern. According to the World Health Organization, the widespread acceptance of traditional medicines can be attributed to their accessibility and affordability. In West African arid savannah, there is a tree called Vitellaria paradoxa (Sapotaceae) that grows naturally. This well-known herb has numerous applications in medicine. Various plant components, including the leaves, roots, seeds, and fruit, have all been used in traditional medicine to cure a variety of illnesses. The purpose of this study is to objectively ascertain the efficacy of V. paradoxa root extracts on jaundice. Rats given phenylhydrazine (PHZ) to induce hyperbilirubinemia were orally administered ethylacetate, n-butanol, n-hexane, and aqueous fractions.

Result
Results indicated the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenol. n-hexane and ethylacetate fractions showed activity against jaundice in rats. This observation was due to the fact that they significantly improved all biomarkers that were examined, namely body weight change, liver function parameters (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, and total protein), haematological parameters (white blood cells, haemoglobin, red blood cells, haematocrit, and platelets), and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde).

Conclusion
n-Hexane and ethylacetate fractions of the extract showed significant activity against PHZ-induced jaundice in rats. However, n-hexane fraction was the most active fraction.
Investigation of Serum Albumin as a Dynamic Treatment-Specific Surrogate for Outcomes in Patients With Myelofibrosis Treated With Ruxolitinib
Authors: Kuykendall Andrew T. , Ball Somedeb , Mora Barbara , Mo Qianxing , Al Ali Najla , Maffioli Margherita , Auteri Giuseppi , Mazzoni Camilla , Palumbo Giuseppe A. , Duminuco Andrea , Longo Anna , Elli Elena M. , Passamonti Francesco , Palandri Francesca , Komrokji Rami 
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE Ruxolitinib improves splenomegaly and disease-related symptoms in most patients with myelofibrosis (MF), and it has been associated with a survival benefit in higher-risk patients with splenomegaly. Spleen volume reduction has been associated with a survival benefit in ruxolitinib-treated patients; however, its use as a surrogate is limited. We hypothesized that an anti-inflammatory response to ruxolitinib would correlate with improved patient outcomes. METHODS We interrogated serum albumin, an acute phase reactant and marker of nutritional status in 590 patients with MF and analyzed differential trajectories of albumin on the basis of ruxolitinib treatment. Additionally, we assessed the prognostic role of baseline albumin and change in albumin. RESULTS We found that serum albumin levels tend to decrease in patients with MF; however, this tendency is abrogated by ruxolitinib treatment. To that end, baseline serum albumin level correlates with overall survival (OS) in patients with MF, independent of the variables that comprise the dynamic international prognostic scoring system; however, this correlation is limited to ruxolitinib-naïve patients. In ruxolitinib-treated patients, the change in serum albumin after ruxolitinib treatment, rather than the baseline value, is associated with improved OS, a finding not seen in ruxolitinib-naïve patients. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that serum albumin, a ubiquitously available laboratory value, has specific relevance in patients with MF and reflects therapeutic response to ruxolitinib.