bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profiling of circulating glial cells for accurate blood‐based diagnosis of glial malignancies
Authors: O'Neill Kevin , Syed Nelofer , Crook Timothy , Dubey Sudhir , Potharaju Mahadev , Limaye Sewanti , Ranade Anantbhushan , Anichini Giulio , Patil Darshana , Datta Vineet , Datar Rajan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHere, we describe a blood test for the detection of glial malignancies (GLI‐M) based on the identification of circulating glial cells (CGCs). The test is highly specific for GLI‐M and can detect multiple grades (II–IV) and subtypes including gliomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, oligoastrocytomas and glioblastomas, irrespective of gender and age. Analytical validation of the test was performed as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Real‐world performance characteristics of the test were evaluated in four clinical (observational) studies. The test has high analytical sensitivity (95%), specificity (100%) and precision (coefficient of variation [CV] = 13.7% for repeatability and CV = 23.5% for within laboratory precision, both at the detection threshold) and is not prone to interference from common drugs and serum factors. The ability of the test to detect and differentiate GLI‐M from non‐malignant brain tumours (NBT), brain metastases from primary epithelial malignancies (EPI‐M) and healthy individual donors (HD) was evaluated in four clinical cohorts. Across these clinical studies, the test showed 99.35% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI]: 96.44%–99.98%) and 100% specificity (95% CI: 99.37%–100%). The performance characteristics of this test support its clinical utility for diagnostic triaging of individuals presenting with intracranial space‐occupying lesions (ICSOL).
Quality of life and burden of disease of vulvar lichen sclerosus: A single‐center retrospective study in China
Authors: He Yuexi , Liu Lin , Yang Kun , Sun Kailv , Zhang Qiuli , Yang Min , Chang Jianmin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the quality of life and burden of disease of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) patients in three states of menstruation to better understand VLS.MethodsA total of 607 VLS patients were enrolled into this retrospective study. According to the ages of onset, menarche and menopause, the patients were divided into three groups: prepubertal group (n = 96), reproductive group (n = 400) and postmenopausal group (n = 111). Data were collected by direct interview and clinical examination.ResultsA total of 93% of patients had itching, with a median numerical rating scale score of five. In the prepubertal group, the median score was three. Nocturnal itching occurred in 49.6% patients. Nearly half of the patients (45.9%) thought the itching affected their sleep. However, this ratio was very different in the prepubertal group (20.7%). Some patients (12.8%) cleaned their vulva more than seven times per week. Only 17.2% of patients experienced no effect on their sex life. The median dermatology life quality index score in all patients was six, but it was only three in the prepubertal group. The median number of hospital visits was two times, and the number of clinic visits was three times. Previous expenses, in median, were 2000 RMB. For 84.3% patients, the gynecologic clinic was their first choice.ConclusionVLS places great physical, mental and economic burdens on patients. Patients in the prepubertal group had milder symptoms and dermatology life quality index score. VLS should arouse the attention of patients and specialists.
Mixed methods evaluation of the Caring for Providers to Improve Patient Experience intervention
Authors: Afulani Patience A. , Getahun Monica , Okiring Jaffer , Ogolla Beryl A. , Oboke Edwina N. , Kinyua Joyceline , Oluoch Iscar , Odiase Osamuedeme , Ochiel Dan , Mendes Wendy Berry , Ongeri Linnet 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of the Caring for Providers to Improve Patient Experience (CPIPE) intervention, which sought to improve person‐centered maternal care (PCMC) by addressing two key drivers: provider stress and bias.MethodsCPIPE was successfully piloted over 6 months in two health facilities in Migori County, Kenya, in 2022. The evaluation employed a mixed‐methods pretest–posttest nonequivalent control group design. Data are from surveys with 80 providers (40 intervention, 40 control) at baseline and endline and in‐depth interviews with 20 intervention providers. We conducted bivariate, multivariate, and difference‐in‐difference analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative data.ResultsIn the intervention group, average knowledge scores increased from 7.8 (SD = 2.4) at baseline to 9.5 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.8) at endline for stress (P = 0.001) and from 8.9 (SD = 1.9) to 10.7 (SD = 1.7) for bias (P = 0.001). In addition, perceived stress scores decreased from 20.9 (SD = 3.9) to 18.6 (SD = 5.3) (P = 0.019) and burnout from 3.6 (SD = 1.0) to 3.0 (SD = 1.0) (P = 0.001), with no significant change in the control group. Qualitative data indicated that CPIPE had an impact at multiple levels. At the individual level, it improved provider knowledge, skills, self‐efficacy, attitudes, behaviors, and experiences. At the interpersonal level, it improved provider–provider and patient–provider relationships, leading to a supportive work environment and improved PCMC. At the institutional level, it created a system of accountability for providing PCMC and nondiscriminatory care, and collective action and advocacy to address sources of stress.ConclusionCPIPE impacted multiple outcomes in the theory of change, leading to improvements in both provider and patient experience, including for the most vulnerable patients. These findings will contribute to global efforts to prevent burnout and promote PCMC and equity.
Lithium salts cytotoxicity and accumulation in melanoma cells in vitro
Authors: Taskaeva Iuliia , Kasatova Anna , Razumov Ivan , Bgatova Nataliya , Taskaev Sergey 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBoron neutron capture therapy is a perspective selective technology for the destruction of cancer cells, while the use of lithium instead of boron may represent a new and promising vector for the development of neutron capture therapy (NCT). The aim of the study was a comparative assessment of the cytotoxicity of various lithium salts, as well as an analysis of the accumulation of lithium in tumor cells in vitro to determine the possibility of using lithium in NCT. The cytotoxicity of lithium salts was determined using MTT‐test and colony forming assay on human fibroblasts BJ‐5ta, human skin melanoma SK‐Mel‐28, and mouse skin melanoma B16 cell lines. An assessment of lithium concentration in cells was performed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Our results showed that three different lithium salts at a concentration of 40 μg/ml are not toxic for both tumor and normal cells. The highest uptake values were obtained on murine melanoma B16 cells when exposed to lithium carbonate (0.8 μg/106 cells); however, human melanoma SK‐Mel‐28 cells effectively accumulated both lithium carbonate and lithium citrate (about 0.46 μg/106 cells for two salts). Thus, our results demonstrate a range of non‐toxic doses of lithium salts and a high uptake of lithium by tumor cells, which indicates the possibility to use the lithium in NCT.
Prevalence of and risk factors for sarcopenia in community‐dwelling people: The Vietnam Osteoporosis Study
Authors: Hoang Duy K. , Doan Minh C. , Le Nhan M. , Nguyen Huy G. , Ho‐Pham Lan T. , Nguyen Tuan V. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia is a geriatric disease characterized by the progressive and generalized loss of skeletal lean mass and strength with age. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the Vietnamese population is unknown. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for sarcopenia among community‐dwelling individuals in Vietnam.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study is part of the ongoing Vietnam Osteoporosis Study project. The study involved 1308 women and 591 men aged 50 years and older as at 2015 (study entry). Whole‐body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to measure the appendicular skeletal lean mass. Anthropometric and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Sarcopenia was defined according to the criteria proposed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia in 2019. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between potential risk factors and sarcopenia.ResultsThe prevalence of sarcopenia in women and men was 14% (n = 183) and 16% (n = 83), respectively. Age (odds ratio [OR] per 10 years = 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–1.48) and being underweight (OR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.00–2.58) were independently associated with increased risk of sarcopenia. The combination of low physical activity, being underweight and advancing age accounted for ~27% of sarcopenic patients. However, most of the attributable fraction was due to ageing.ConclusionsSarcopenia is common in community‐dwelling Vietnamese adults, particularly those with advancing age, who are underweight and with low physical activity.
The age‐related obesity paradigm: results from two large prospective cohort studies
Authors: Ge Yi‐Zhong , Liu Tong , Deng Li , Zhang Qi , Liu Chen‐An , Ruan Guo‐Tian , Xie Hai‐Lun , Song Meng‐Meng , Lin Shi‐Qi , Yao Qin‐Hua , Shen Xian , Shi Han‐Ping ,   Investigation on the Nutrition Status and Clinical Outcome of Common Cancers (INSCOC) Group
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe obesity paradigm has been a health concern globally for many years, its meaning is controversial. In this study, we assess the characteristics and causes of obesity paradigm and detail the mediation of obesity and inflammation on survival.MethodsThe original cohort included participants from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018, a prospective cohort of a nationally representative sample of adult participants; the oncology validation cohort included patients from the Investigation on Nutrition Status and Clinical Outcome of Common Cancers (INSCOC) from 2013 to 2021, a prospective cohort of Chinese patients with cancer. Survival analysis was performed using weighted (NHANES) or unweighted (INSCOC) Cox survival analyses. The normal BMI group was used as a reference for all comparisons. Systemic inflammation was defined as neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) > 3. Model‐based causal mediation analysis was used to identify the mediators.ResultsA total of 52 270 (weighted population: 528506229) participants of the NHANES [mean follow‐up times: 10.2 years; mean age (SD): 47 (19.16) years] were included in the original cohort; and a total of 17 418 patients with cancer of INSCOC [mean follow‐up times: 2.9 years; mean age (SD): 57.37 (11.66) years] were included in the validation cohort. In the subgroups of all the participants, the obesity paradigm was more apparent in older participants and participants with disease [HR (95% CI): age ≥ 65 years, 0.84 (0.76, 0.93); with cancer, 0.84 (0.71, 0.99); with CVD, 0.74 (0.65, 0.85)]. As aged, the protective effect of a high BMI on survival gradually increased and a high BMI showed the effect of a protective factor on older participants [for obese II, HR (95% CI): young adults, 1.91 (1.40, 2.62); middle age, 1.56 (1.28, 1.91); old adults, 0.85 (0.76, 0.96]). The aged‐related obesity paradigm in patients with cancer from the NHANES was verified in the INSCOC cohorts [for obese, HR (95%CI): 0.65 (0.52, 0.81)]. The NLR is an important mediator of the effect of BMI on survival (proportion of mediation = 15.4%).ConclusionsThe obesity paradigm has a strong correlation with age. Relative to normal weight, obese in young people was association with higher all‐cause mortality, and obese in elderly people was not association with higher mortality. The protection of obesity is association with systemic inflammation.
TRPC3 signalling contributes to the biogenesis of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Padbury Elise H. , Bálint Štefan , Carollo Emanuela , Carter David R. F. , Becker Esther B. E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to a wide range of pathological processes including cancer progression, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying their biogenesis remain incompletely characterized. The development of tetraspanin‐based pHluorin reporters has enabled the real‐time analysis of EV release at the plasma membrane. Here, we employed CD81‐pHluorin to investigate mechanisms of EV release in ovarian cancer (OC) cells and report a novel role for the Ca2+‐permeable transient receptor potential (TRP) channel TRPC3 in EV‐mediated communication. We found that specific activation of TRPC3 increased Ca2+ signalling in SKOV3 cells and stimulated an immediate increase in EV release. Ca2+‐stimulants histamine and ionomycin likewise induced EV release, and imaging analysis revealed distinct stimulation‐dependent temporal and spatial release dynamics. Interestingly, inhibition of TRPC3 attenuated histamine‐stimulated Ca2+‐entry and EV release, indicating that TRPC3 is likely to act downstream of histamine signalling in EV biogenesis. Furthermore, we found that direct activation of TRPC3 as well as the application of EVs derived from TRPC3‐activated cells increased SKOV3 proliferation. Our data provides insights into the molecular mechanisms and dynamics underlying EV release in OC cells, proposing a key role for TRPC3 in EV biogenesis.
“I felt special!”: a qualitative study of peer‐delivered HIV self‐tests, STI self‐sampling kits and PrEP for transgender women in Uganda
Authors: Mujugira Andrew , Karungi Beyonce , Mugisha Jackson , Nakyanzi Agnes , Bagaya Monica , Kamusiime Brenda , Nalumansi Alisaati , Nalukwago Grace Kakoola , Kasiita Vicent , Twesigye Chris Collins , Nampewo Olivia , Nsubuga Rogers , Nyanzi Kikulwe Robert , Muwonge Timothy , Wyatt Monique A. , Ware Norma C. , Haberer Jessica E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionPeer delivery is a client‐centred approach that could maximize the coverage and impact of HIV services for transgender women (TGW). We conducted qualitative interviews to examine how peer‐delivered HIV self‐testing (HIVST), sexually transmitted infection self‐sampling (STISS) and oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) influenced prevention choices among TGW and their intimate partners in Uganda.MethodsWithin a cluster randomized trial of peer‐delivered HIVST, STISS and PrEP among HIV‐negative TGW (NCT04328025), we conducted 55 qualitative interviews with 30 TGW, 15 intimate partners and 10 TGW peers (August 2021–February 2022). TGW interviews explored: (1) HIV self‐test and PrEP experiences; (2) HIVST with intimate partners; and (3) descriptions of self‐sampling for STI testing. Partner interviews covered: (1) experiences with HIVST; (2) disclosure of HIV status to intimate partner; and (3) descriptions of sexual behaviours after testing. Peer interview topics included: (1) intervention delivery experiences; and (2) recommendations for peer‐delivered HIV prevention services to TGW, including psychological support and coping strategies. Qualitative data were analysed using an inductive content analytic approach.ResultsPeer‐delivered combination prevention was valued by this group of TGW and their partners. (1) Peer services extended beyond delivering HIV/STI kits and PrEP refills to caring for individual health and wellbeing by providing stigma coping strategies. Peer psychosocial support empowered research participants to become “HIVST ambassadors,” teach non‐study TGW about self‐testing and PrEP, and encourage linkage to care. (2) HIVST with intimate partners and mutual disclosure of HIV status strengthened partnered relationships. PrEP use after both partners tested HIV negative implied infidelity. (3) Self‐sampling enabled TGW to take control of their STI testing and avoid the embarrassment of exposing their bodies. Privacy and confidentiality motivated the uptake of STI testing and treatment.ConclusionsIn this sample of TGW from Uganda, peer delivery of HIVST, STISS and PrEP refills benefitted individual prevention efforts and extended to a new linkage of TGW not engaged in care. Integrating peer services into differentiated PrEP delivery could increase HIV/STI test coverage and PrEP use in this vulnerable population.
Heterogeneous effects of violence on student achievement: Evidence from Colombia
Authors: Grueso Hernando 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this paper, I study the causal relationship between violence and human capital accumulation. Due to a power vacuum left in conflict zones of Colombia after the 2016 peace agreement, large spikes in violence were reported in the municipalities of the country dominated by the rebel group FARC. I compare student test scores in municipalities that experienced the increase in violence to the ones that did not, before and after the national peace agreement. I find that a 10% increase in the homicide rate reduces average high school test scores by approximately 0.03 standard deviations. However, this impact is greater in the case of poor students who suffered a reduction of about 0.1 standard deviations per subject area, equivalent to 3.3 percentage points out of the final score. I also consider heterogeneity by gender finding a slightly larger negative impact on female students. This disparate effect on women and on the poorest students adds new evidence to the literature on the effects of armed conflict on learning outcomes.
Increased neurotoxicity of high‐density lipoprotein secreted from murine reactive astrocytes deficient in a peroxisomal very‐long‐chain fatty acid transporter Abcd1
Authors: Fujitani Naoki , Akashi Tomoya , Saito Masayoshi , Morita Masashi , So Takanori , Oka Kozo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractX‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by pathogenic variants in ABCD1, resulting in the accumulation of very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in tissues. The etiology of X‐ALD is unclear. Activated astrocytes play a pathological role in X‐ALD. Recently, reactive astrocytes have been shown to induce neuronal cell death via saturated lipids in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), although how HDL from reactive astrocytes exhibits neurotoxic effects has yet to be determined. In this study, we obtained astrocytes from wild‐type and Abcd1‐deficient mice. HDL was purified from the culture supernatant of astrocytes, and the effect of HDL on neurons was evaluated in vitro. To our knowledge, this study shows for the first time that HDL obtained from Abcd1‐deficient reactive astrocytes induces a significantly higher level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, a marker of cell damage, from mouse primary cortical neurons as compared to HDL from wild‐type reactive astrocytes. Notably, HDL from Abcd1‐deficient astrocytes contained significantly high amounts of VLCFA‐containing phosphatidylcholine (PC) and LysoPC. Activation of Abcd1‐deficient astrocytes led to the production of HDL containing decreased amounts of PC with arachidonic acid in sn‐2 acyl moieties and increased amounts of LysoPC, presumably through cytosolic phospholipase A2α upregulation. These results suggest that compositional changes in PC and LysoPC in HDL, due to Abcd1 deficiency and astrocyte activation, may contribute to neuronal damage. Our findings provide novel insights into central nervous system pathology in X‐ALD.
Effect of quasi‐biennial oscillation on the intensity of the South China Sea summer monsoon
Authors: Hu Yiyang , Jian Maoqiu , Gao Si 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe interannual relationship between the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) and the South China Sea (SCS) summer monsoon intensity (SCSSMI) is investigated using the ERA5 data set in the period of 1953–2020. The QBO–SCSSMI connection is weak in El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐related summer, but significant in neutral ENSO summer. In neutral ENSO summer, there is significant positive correlation between QBO and SCSSMI, that is, the SCSSMI is enhanced in the QBO westerly phase, while it is weakened in the QBO easterly phase with larger amplitude of the SCSSMI anomaly. QBO may modulate the SCSSMI in three possible ways. The QBO‐related temperature anomalies downward to the lower stratosphere directly affect the SCS monsoon convection by modulating the upper‐tropospheric stability and tropopause height over the SCS region. Moreover, the QBO‐related anomalous zonal wind downward to the lower stratosphere may regulate cross‐tropopause vertical wind shear and then modulate the convection development. Besides, the QBO‐related zonal wind and temperature signals propagating downward into the upper troposphere can affect the horizontal divergence by influencing the vertical vorticity and the geopotential via thermal forcing. Through those three processes, QBO directly affects the deep convection activities and then modulates the SCSSMI via internal dynamic adjustment. In the southern SCS, cross‐tropopause vertical wind shear makes a main contribution to deep convections, while upper‐tropospheric static stability makes a major contribution to deep convection in the northern SCS. The conclusions are also generally verified by the CMIP6 model simulation.
Does cryotherapy decrease the local recurrence rate in the treatment of an aneurysmal bone cyst? A comparative assessment
Authors: Levanon Eran , Merose Omri , Segal Ortal , Dadia Solomon , Sternheim Amir , Levin Dror , Sher Osnat , Gortzak Yair 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCurettage with or without the use of adjuvants is the standard of care in the treatment of an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). Historically, our approach combined curettage, high‐speed burr drilling, and cryoablation. However, treatments varied based on age, tumor location, and surgeon preference. We asked: (1) Does cryoablation in addition to curettage and burr drilling decrease the local recurrence rates? (2) Are there any risk factors for the local recurrence rate? (3) Does cryoablation improve postsurgical functional outcomes in these patients? Patients treated for an ABC, between January 2006 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. Patient and surgical characteristics, such as age, gender, tumor location, type of treatment, time of follow‐up, recurrence rate, and functional outcome measured by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score 1993 (MSTS93) score were compared between those treated with and without cryoablation. Both groups, without cryoablation (n = 88) and with cryoablation (n = 42), showed no significant difference in local recurrence rates (9.1% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.553) and functional outcomes as measured by the MSTS93 score (28.9 vs. 27.8, p = 0.262). Risk factors analyzed did not significantly affect local recurrence risk, except for secondary ABC diagnosis (p = 0.017). The cryoablation group had a more extended follow‐up (45.6 vs. 73.2 months, p < 0.001), reflecting a shift in practice over time. We found no significant difference in local recurrence rate or functional outcome in patients treated with or without cryoablation. Formal curettage with additional high‐speed burr drilling provides effective tumor control and favorable functional outcomes, negating the need for adjuvant cryoablation.