bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recognising the shadow pandemic in the humanitarian sector: ending violence against women in the aftermath of COVID-19
Authors: Felten Léa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn all domains of society, from health to the economy, security, and human rights, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are amplified for women and girls simply due to the issues associated with gender-based violence. This article will, therefore, explore international organisations and non-governmental organisations’ commitment to ending violence against women in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. To analyse this phenomenon, this article will first focus on the current necessity to make more efforts towards implementing a gender perspective in the field of humanitarian action. This would allow for women’s needs to be better targeted and could also enable them to be better included as actors in this process. Then, this article will highlight the involvement of different organisations in the fight against gender-based violence in parallel to the different programmes put forward in the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5. Consequently, after assessing the current actions made in the aftermath of the pandemic, this article will conclude by putting forth potential prospects for future progress.
Association of PSA variability with prostate cancer development using large-scale medical information data: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Maeda-Minami Ayako , Nishikawa Tomoki , Ishikawa Hideki , Mutoh Michihiro , Akimoto Kazunori , Matsuyama Yutaka , Mano Yasunari , Uemura Hiroji 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men worldwide and the fourth most common cause of death. The number of prostate cancer cases and deaths is increasing every year because of population aging. This study aimed to clarify the risk of developing prostate cancer due to fluctuations in Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels in patients without a history of prostate cancer using large medical information data.

Results
This retrospective cohort included 1707 male patients aged 60 years or older who had a PSA level measurement date (2-PSA) within 3 months or more and 2 years from the first PSA level measurement date (1-PSA) in the database between 2008 and 2019. We subtracted 1-PSA from 2-PSA and designated patients with a higher 2-PSA than 1-PSA to the “up” group (n = 967) and patients with a lower 2-PSA than 1-PSA to the “down” group (n = 740). By using Cox proportional hazards model, a significant increase in prostate cancer risk was observed in the up group compared with the down group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21–2.72; adjusted for patient background factors). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with PSA levels < 4 ng/mL had a significantly increased risk of developing prostate cancer if the next PSA level increases by approximately 20% (adjusted HR = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.14–7.58), and patients with PSA levels of 4 ng/mL or higher if the next PSA level is decreased by approximately 20% had a significantly reduced risk of developing prostate cancer (adjusted HR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.18–0.74), compared to that with no change.

Conclusions
This is the first study to clarify the association between PSA variability and risk of developing prostate cancer in patients without a history of prostate cancer. These results suggest that the suppression of elevated PSA levels may lead to the prevention of prostate cancer and that it would be better to perform a biopsy because the risk of developing prostate cancer may increase in the future if the PSA value increases above a certain level.
The effect of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling axis on the interaction between CD19+B cells and CD4+T cells in peripheral blood of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Xie Zhuobei , Dai Li , He Haohua , Hong Dengxiao , Tang Honghui , Xu Wenyan , Chen Zhongxin , Wang Hongtao , Li Baiqing , Xie Changhao , Wang Yuanyuan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The defect of B cell self-tolerance and the continuous antigen presentation by T cells (TCs) mediated by autoreactive B cells (BCs) play a key role in the occurrence and development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PD-1/PD-L1 signaling axis negatively regulates the immune response of TCs after activation and maintains immune tolerance. However, the effect of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling axis on the interaction between CD19+B/CD4+TCs in the peripheral blood of patients with SLE has not been studied in detail.

Methods
PD-1/PD-L1 and Ki-67 levels in peripheral blood (PB) of 50 SLE patients and 41 healthy controls (HCs) were detected through flow cytometry, and then the expression of PD-1+/−cells and PD-L1+/−cells Ki-67 was further analyzed. CD19+B/CD4+TCs were separated for cell culture and the supernatant was collected to determine proliferation and differentiation of TCs. IL-10 and IFN-γ secretion in the supernatant was also determined using ELISA.

Results
The PD-1, PD-L1, and Ki-67 levels on CD19+B/CD4+TCs in patients with SLE were higher than HCs. In CD19+B/CD4+TCs of SLE patients, the proliferative activity of PD-L1+ cells was higher than that of PD-L1− cells, and the proliferative activity of PD-1+ cells was higher than that of PD-1− cells. In the system co-culturing CD19+B/CD4+TCs from HCs/SLE patients, activated BCs promoted TCs proliferation and PD-L1 expression among TCs. Addition of anti-PD-L1 to co-culture system restored the proliferation of TCs, and inhibited IL-10/IFN-γ level. The addition of anti-PD-L1 to co-culture system also restored Tfh and downregulated Treg in HCs.

Conclusions
Axis of PD-1/PD-L1 on CD19+B/CD4+TCs in PB of SLE patients is abnormal, and cell proliferation is abnormal. In CD19+B/CD4+TCs of SLE patients, the proliferative activity of PD-L1+ and PD-1+ cells compared with PD-L1− and PD-1− cells in SLE patients, respectively. CD19+B/CD4+TCs in SLE patients can interact through PD-1/PD-L1.
Desmoid-type fibromatosis of neck masquerading as nerve sheath tumors: two case reports
Authors: Kant Surya , Charan Bheru Dan , Goel Vinay , Das Sumanta , Sahu Saumya , Sharma Rajiv , Borkar Sachin , Sebastian Leve Joseph Devaranjan , Garg Ajay 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) is an atypical, non-malignant tumor known for its distinctive feature of exhibiting an intermediate biological behavior that falls between benign fibrous lesions and fibrosarcoma. The article aimed to outline the imaging characteristics of desmoid fibromatosis and distinguish it from its similar counterpart, nerve sheath tumors.

Results
Here, we present two cases of desmoid fibromatosis whose imaging findings mimic nerve sheath tumors. The patients presented with neck swelling and radiating pain. Both cases were biopsy-proven. Imaging features characteristic of these lesions include elongated shape, split-fat sign, and fascial tail sign with mixed signal intensity on T1WIs and T2WIs depending upon the collagen content of the lesion.

Conclusions
MRI is the best diagnostic modality for differentiating fibromatosis from nerve sheath tumors. Surgery continues to be the primary approach for treating these growths, but in some cases, chemoradiation is employed to achieve improved control rates. The presence of intralesional low-intensity bands in T2WIs is a characteristic feature of fibromatosis. Given its local aggressiveness and propensity for recurrence, the use of multiple imaging modalities is essential for providing informed guidance on outcomes and treatment strategies.
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for the treatment of achalasia in an Egyptian cohort
Authors: Elkholy Shaimaa , Essam Kareem , Gamal Gina , Maurice Karim K. , Abdellatif Zeinab , El-Sherbiny Mohammed , Haggag Hany , Awad Abeer , Yousef Kerolis 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background and study aims
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been regarded as a novel and minimally invasive therapy for the treatment of achalasia. Data from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Arabic countries are scarce, and this study represents the first study from this area. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of POEM in an Egyptian cohort.

Patients and methods
This is a prospective study that included 34 Egyptian patients who underwent POEM for achalasia.

Results
This study included 19 (55.9%) males with a median age of 33.5 years (range: 11–75 years). 16 (47.1%) patients had previous pneumatic balloon dilation, and 1 (2.9%) patient had previous surgical myotomy. The median Eckardt score pre-POEM was 9 (range: 4–12). The median integrated relaxation pressure for 4 s (IRP4s) was 25.6 mmHg (range: 11.5–49.4 mmHg). High-resolution manometry showed that 12 patients had type I achalasia (35.2%), 18 patients had type II achalasia (52.9%), and 4 patients had type III achalasia (11.7%). The median procedure time was 120 min (range: 75–260 min). Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%), and clinical success was achieved in 33/34 patients (97.1%). There was no significant difference in success rates among different types of achalasia (p 0.208). There was a significant reduction in the Eckardt score (P < 0.0001) and IRP4s values pre- and post-POEM (P < 0.0001). There was also a significant increase in the body mass index of the patients (P 0.006) during a median follow-up of 10 months (range: 6–24 months).

Conclusions
POEM is a safe, effective, and feasible treatment option for achalasia in an Egyptian cohort. POEM is becoming an attractive option and is gaining patient satisfaction.
The hidden star: mastoiditis as a late sequela of retained foreign body in the nose
Authors: Jaafar Nur Faqihah , Enci Yong , Chen Irise Hoi Khin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Acute mastoiditis is an intratemporal complication due to acute otitis media (AOM). Common risk factors include young age (often < 24 months), high values of C-reactive protein and previous antibiotic therapy, previous middle ear infection, or history of ear surgery. The main factor of acute mastoiditis is obstruction of the aditus antrum by granulation tissue or mucosa edema, inhibiting purulent drainage from the mastoid. Retained foreign body in the nose is a rare indirect cause of acute mastoiditis. It may be due to mucosal inflammation and accumulation of secretion causing nasal tract or nasopharyngeal infection leading to otitis media and later manifesting as an intratemporal complication.

Case presentation
We report a case of acute mastoiditis as a late sequela of retained foreign body in the nose, and we also emphasize the incidental radiological finding of a star-shaped foreign body in the nose, which was a miss during the initial presentation. Further questioning revealed a history of recurrent unilateral blood-stained, foul-smelling nasal discharge, which was left untreated for years, leading to a delayed presentation of acute mastoiditis. After removing the foreign body and broad-spectrum antibiotic administration, complete disease resolution was achieved.

Conclusion
Although rare, retained foreign bodies of the nose must be ruled out in certain cases of mastoiditis. A thorough history with a high index of clinical suspicion is recommended for early diagnosis to prevent complications.
Quantitative analysis and modeling of minimum flow patterns in Temsa River, Abbay Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Bayana Darara Dabtara , Diriba Bikila Gedefa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe extent and occurrence of extremely low-flow events are necessary to determine the minimum river flow. Since the true probability distribution is usually not known, the best fitting distribution function describing the low flow in the catchment is important for reliable estimation of low flow and its frequency. The Temsa River is one of the most important tributaries of the Abay River Basin in Ethiopia and has a high ecological value for the country that can be affected by land cover changes. Climate influences watershed development, while landscape features control the accumulation and release of water over time, influencing stream flow, such as low flow. Therefore, analyzing the state of river discharge is important for the economic management of water resources. Rapid population growth has raised serious concerns about the adequacy of the Temsa River’s future water intake in terms of quantity and quality. However, future water resources planning requires information on water flow variability and trends. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the existing Temsa watersheds and their current status based on river water data collected by the Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy from 1997 to 2021 GC. Analysis focused on daily flow, mean annual flow, mean monthly flow, and consecutive 7-day mean minimum flow were included in the model. Methods for trend detection and quantification were the Mann–Kendall test (MK) and Sen’s slope estimator (SS). The results of the MK and SS tests indicate the existence of a trend of statistical significance. The study shows a positive trend for two models and a negative trend for the other two models. The daily discharge analysis and the annual average flow analysis show a decreasing trend and the second model shows an increasing trend. BFI results show that the proportion of groundwater in the watershed is moderate, 73.6%, and the lognormal distribution fits the frequency analysis data.
The diagnostic yield of nasopharyngeal aspirate for pediatric pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khambati Nisreen , Song Rinn , MacLean Emily Lai-Ho , Kohli Mikashmi , Olbrich Laura , Bijker Else Margreet 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death in children, but many cases are never diagnosed. Microbiological diagnosis of pulmonary TB is challenging in young children who cannot spontaneously expectorate sputum. Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) may be more easily collected than gastric aspirate and induced sputum and can be obtained on demand, unlike stool. However, further information on its diagnostic yield is needed.

Methods
We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the diagnostic yield of one NPA for testing by either culture or nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis from children. We searched three bibliographic databases and two trial registers up to 24th November 2022. Studies that reported the proportion of children diagnosed by NPA compared to a microbiological reference standard (MRS) were eligible. Culture and/or WHO-endorsed NAAT on at least one respiratory specimen served as the MRS. We also estimated the incremental yield of two NPA samples compared to one and summarized operational aspects of NPA collection and processing. Univariate random-effect meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled diagnostic yield estimates.

Results
From 1483 citations, 54 were selected for full-text review, and nine were included. Based on six studies including 256 children with microbiologically confirmed TB, the diagnostic yield of NAAT on one NPA ranged from 31 to 60% (summary estimate 44%, 95% CI 36–51%). From seven studies including 242 children with confirmed TB, the diagnostic yield of culture was 17–88% (summary estimate 58%, 95% CI 42–73%). Testing a second NPA increased the yield by 8–19% for NAAT and 4–35% for culture. NPA collection procedures varied between studies, although most children had NPA successfully obtained (96–100%), with a low rate of indeterminate results (< 5%). Data on NPA acceptability and specifically for children under 5 years were limited.

Conclusions
NPA is a suitable and feasible specimen for diagnosing pediatric TB. The high rates of successful collection across different levels of healthcare improve access to microbiological testing, supporting its inclusion in diagnostic algorithms for TB, especially if sampling is repeated. Future research into the acceptability of NPA and how to standardize collection to optimize diagnostic yield is needed.
Erlotinib Plus Gemcitabine Compared With Gemcitabine Alone in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Phase III Trial of the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group
Authors: Moore Malcolm J. , Goldstein David , Hamm John , Figer Arie , Hecht Joel R. , Gallinger Steven , Au Heather J. , Murawa Pawel , Walde David , Wolff Robert A. , Campos Daniel , Lim Robert , Ding Keyue , Clark Gary , Voskoglou-Nomikos Theodora , Ptasynski Mieke , Parulekar Wendy 
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer have a poor prognosis and there have been no improvements in survival since the introduction of gemcitabine in 1996. Pancreatic tumors often overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor type 1 (HER1/EGFR) and this is associated with a worse prognosis. We studied the effects of adding the HER1/EGFR-targeted agent erlotinib to gemcitabine in patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic pancreatic cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive standard gemcitabine plus erlotinib (100 or 150 mg/d orally) or gemcitabine plus placebo in a double-blind, international phase III trial. The primary end point was overall survival. RESULTS A total of 569 patients were randomly assigned. Overall survival based on an intent-to-treat analysis was significantly prolonged on the erlotinib/gemcitabine arm with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.99; P = .038, adjusted for stratification factors; median 6.24 months v 5.91 months). One-year survival was also greater with erlotinib plus gemcitabine (23% v 17%; P = .023). Progression-free survival was significantly longer with erlotinib plus gemcitabine with an estimated HR of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.92; P = .004). Objective response rates were not significantly different between the arms, although more patients on erlotinib had disease stabilization. There was a higher incidence of some adverse events with erlotinib plus gemcitabine, but most were grade 1 or 2. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this randomized phase III trial is the first to demonstrate statistically significantly improved survival in advanced pancreatic cancer by adding any agent to gemcitabine. The recommended dose of erlotinib with gemcitabine for this indication is 100 mg/d.
Leveraging dominant-negative histone H3 K-to-M mutations to study chromatin during differentiation and development
Authors: Serdyukova Ksenia , Swearingen Alison R. , Coradin Mariel , Nevo Mika , Tran Huong , Bajric Emir , Brumbaugh Justin 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Histone modifications are associated with regulation of gene expression that controls a vast array of biological processes. Often, these associations are drawn by correlating the genomic location of a particular histone modification with gene expression or phenotype; however, establishing a causal relationship between histone marks and biological processes remains challenging. Consequently, there is a strong need for experimental approaches to directly manipulate histone modifications. A class of mutations on the N-terminal tail of histone H3, lysine-to-methionine (K-to-M) mutations, was identified as dominant-negative inhibitors of histone methylation at their respective and specific residues. The dominant-negative nature of K-to-M mutants makes them a valuable tool for studying the function of specific methylation marks on histone H3. Here, we review recent applications of K-to-M mutations to understand the role of histone methylation during development and homeostasis. We highlight important advantages and limitations that require consideration when using K-to-M mutants, particularly in a developmental context.
The roles of JAK2/STAT3 signaling in fusion of the secondary palate
Authors: Yoshida Naoki , Inubushi Toshihiro , Hirose Takumi , Aoyama Gozo , Kurosaka Hiroshi , Yamashiro Takashi 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Cleft palate has a multifactorial etiology. In palatal fusion, the contacting medial edge epithelium (MEE) forms the epithelial seam, which is subsequently removed with the reduction of p63. Failure in this process results in a cleft palate. We herein report the involvement of janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in palatal fusion and that folic acid rescues the fusing defect by reactivating JAK2/STAT3. In closure of bilateral palatal shelves, STAT3 phosphorylation was activated at the fusing MEE and mesenchyme underlying the MEE. JAK2 inhibition by AG490 inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and resulted in palatal fusion failure without removal of the epithelial seam, in which p63 and keratin 17 (K17) periderm markers were retained. Folic acid application restored STAT3 phosphorylation in AG490-treated palatal explants and rescued the fusion defect, in which the p63- and K17-positive epithelial seam were removed. The AG490-induced palatal defect was also rescued in p63 haploinsufficient explants. These findings suggest that JAK2/STAT3 signaling is involved in palatal fusion by suppressing p63 expression in MEE and that folate restores the fusion defect by reactivating JAK2/STAT3.
Strategic Priorities for Physical Activity Surveillance in the United States
Authors: Fulton Janet E. , Carlson Susan A. , Ainsworth Barbara E. , Berrigan David , Carlson Cynthia , Dorn Joan M. , Heath Gregory W. , Kohl Harold W. , Lee I-Min , Lee Sarah M. , Mâsse Louise C. , Morrow James R. , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Pivarnik James M. , Pronk Nicolaas P. , Rodgers Anne B. , Saelens Brian E. , Sallis James F. , Troiano Richard P. , Tudor-Locke Catrine , Wendel Arthur 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Develop strategic priorities to guide future physical activity surveillance in the United States.

Methods
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine convened a scientific roundtable of physical activity and measurement experts. Participants summarized the current state of aerobic physical activity surveillance for adults, focusing on practice and research needs in three areas: 1) behavior, 2) human movement, and 3) community supports. Needs and challenges for each area were identified. At the conclusion of the meeting, experts identified one overarching strategy and five strategic priorities to guide future surveillance.

Results
The identified overarching strategy was to develop a national plan for physical activity surveillance similar to the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan for promotion. The purpose of the plan would be to enhance coordination and collaboration within and between sectors, such as transportation and public health, and to address specific strategic priorities identified at the roundtable. These strategic priorities were used 1) to identify and prioritize physical activity constructs; 2) to assess the psychometric properties of instruments for physical activity surveillance; 3) to provide training and technical assistance for those collecting, analyzing, or interpreting surveillance data; 4) to explore accessing data from alternative sources; and 5) to improve communication, translation, and dissemination about estimates of physical activity from surveillance systems.

Conclusion
This roundtable provided strategic priorities for physical activity surveillance in the United States. A first step is to develop a national plan for physical activity surveillance that would provide an operating framework from which to execute these priorities.