bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of two plasma separation devices for HIV-1 viral load measurement in primary healthcare settings
Authors: Vubil Adolfo , Zicai Ana Flora , Sitoe Nádia , Nhachigule Carina , da Costa Paulino , Magul Cacildo , Meggi Bindiya , Viegas Sofia , Mabunda Nédio , Jani Ilesh 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Dried blood spot (DBS) may overestimate the viral RNA, mainly in patients with low viral load (VL), due to proviral DNA and intracellular RNA. The Burnett and HemaSpot provide integrated solutions for the collection, separation, and drying of plasma from whole blood. This study aims to evaluate the performance of both devices compared to plasma to identify antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure. The devices were separately evaluated in a cross-sectional design. Patients on ART were included for the studies (Burnett: 611, October 2019 to January 2020) and (HemaSpot: 620, November 2020 to April 2021). VL was tested using CAP/CTM96. The sensitivity and specificity of DBS, Burnett, and HemaSpot were determined, and plasma results were considered as a reference at a threshold of 1,000 copies/ml. For the Burnett study, 2,444 specimens, including plasma, DBS, venous Burnett (vBurnett), and capillary Burnett (cBurnett), were collected. Sensitivity of DBS, vBurnett, and cBurnett was 97.4%, 98.3%, and 97.5%, respectively, whereas specificity was 86.8% for DBS, 96.9% for vBurnett, and 93.9% for cBurnett. For the HemaSpot study, 1,860 specimens were collected, including plasma, DBS, and vHemaSpot. Sensitivity of DBS and vHemaSpot was 95.0% and 91.3%, respectively, whereas specificity was 86.9% for DBS and 94.5% for vHemaSpot. The misclassification rate was more prominent in DBS (4.8%) and HemaSpot (8.4%) but lower in vBurnett (2.0%) and cBurnett (3.2%). The Burnett showed better performance than DBS, whereas HemaSpot showed poorer performance than DBS. Nevertheless, both Burnett and HemaSpot have high rate of non-reportable results. In the current format, neither of the two devices is feasible for VL scale-up in resource-limited settings.

IMPORTANCE
Burnett and HemaSpot are two novel technologies that allow whole blood collection and plasma separation and stabilization at room temperature without the need of additional equipment. Hence, these devices are potential alternatives to fresh plasma as a suitable specimen for viral load scale-up to monitor antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings
Political and socioeconomic factors that shaped health taxes implementation in Peru
Authors: Zuleta Mario , Perez-Leon Silvana , Mialon Melissa , Delgado-Zegarra Jaime 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundIn 2016 and 2018, the Peruvian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MoEF) significantly reformulated taxes on tobacco products, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). During these processes, different actors advanced arguments supporting or opposing the taxes. This study examines Peru’s political and socioeconomic factors, the role of other actors and framing strategies, shaping health taxes introduction.MethodsWe conducted qualitative analysis by collecting information from three sources, such as: (1) media material (n=343 documents), (2) government documents (n=34) and (3) semistructured interviews (n=11). That data allowed us to identify and characterise the actors involved in implementing health taxes in Peru. We combined the data from these sources, synthesised our findings and conducted a stakeholder analysis.ResultsKey actors supporting taxes were the MoEF and civil society organisations, while trade associations and the alcohol, SSBs and tobacco industries opposed them using economic, trade-related arguments and criticised the policy process. The supporting group used arguments related to the economy and health to legitimate its narrative. The framing strategies employed by these stakeholders shaped and determined the outcome of the policy process.ConclusionPeruvian stakeholders against health taxes demonstrated a strong capacity to convey their messages to the media and high-level policy-makers. Despite these efforts, attempts to interfere with health taxes were unsuccessful in 2016 and 2018 and failed to overcome state institutions, particularly the MoEF. Strong institutions and individual decision-makers in Peru also contributed to the successful implementation of health taxes in Peru in 2016 and 2018.
Health taxes in Indonesia: a review of policy debates on the tobacco, alcoholic beverages and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in the media
Authors: Ahsan Abdillah , Amalia Nadira , Rahmayanti Krisna Puji , Adani Nadhila , Wiyono Nur Hadi , Endawansa Althof , Utami Maulida Gadis , Yuniar Adela Miranti 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionOne of the WHO’s ‘best buys’ in controlling non-communicable diseases and their risk factors is to impose health taxes. While the Indonesian political process inhibits the implementation of health tax policy, studies to discuss the issue remain limited.MethodsWe employed media analysis to document health tax policy dynamics, for example, the changes in policy timeline and key actors’ statements. We conducted an article search in the Open-Source Intelligence database using appropriate terminology on three commodities, for example, tobacco, alcoholic beverages and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB).ResultsThroughout the 15 years of implementation (2007–2022), tobacco has received the most policy attention compared with the other two commodities. This is mainly related to the increasing tariff and reforming the tax structure. As Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, alcohol consumption is low, and a tax on alcoholic beverages was nearly unchanging and lacked media coverage. Ministry of Finance (MoF) officials are key opinion leaders often cited in the media for health taxes. MoF’s support for health taxes is important to pass and implement health taxes. While SSB taxation is emerging, key opinion leaders’ media statements imply policy contestation, leading to delayed implementation. The policy debates on tobacco taxation implied election years as a major challenge for health tax passages. During the political years, anti-health tax arguments emerged from politicians. While the political contestation on SSB concluded that accentuating the health tax arguments in favour of public health generates the strongest opposition against taxation from the industry.ConclusionsPolitics of tobacco tax implementation are complex—compared with the other two commodities. The political context drives the divided views among policy-makers. Policy recommendations include generating public allies with key religious opinion leaders, continuing capacity building for politicians and Ministry of Health, and generating evidence-based arguments in favour of public health for MoF.
Health and economic impacts of introducing specific excise tax to waterpipe tobacco in Egypt: a simulation model of simple and mixed tax policy approaches
Authors: Mostafa Aya , Chalak Ali , Nakkash Rima , Abla Ruba , Khader Yousef S , Abu-Rmeileh Niveen ME , Salloum Ramzi G , Jawad Mohammed 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionWaterpipe tobacco is taxed at half the rate of cigarettes in Egypt and, unlike cigarettes, does not have a specific excise component. We aimed to simulate the introduction of a specific excise tax on waterpipe tobacco consumption, premature deaths and government waterpipe tobacco revenue in Egypt.MethodsWe took model inputs from the latest available data on consumption, market shares and market share prices, price elasticities of demand, tax structure and from discussions with government officials. We modelled increases to specific excise to produce a 45%, 55%, 65% and 75% tax burden and compared a simple (specific only) structure with a mixed (specific and ad valorem) structure.ResultsUnder the simple approach, introducing a US$2.1 specific tax would result in a 75% tax burden with 67% fewer waterpipe tobacco units smoked, 1 004 604 averted premature deaths and a 236% increase in government revenue relative to the current tax structure. At the 75% tax burden, the simple approach resulted in 1.5% fewer waterpipe tobacco units consumed, 9000 more averted premature deaths and 12.7% more government revenue compared with the mixed approach. Results for other tax burdens are presented and remained robust to sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsIntroducing a specific excise tax on waterpipe tobacco in Egypt can yield considerable government revenue and public health gains. We recommend the simple approach, in line with the WHO recommendations, which produces greater economic and public health gains than the mixed approach and is easier to administer for the Egyptian government.
Genetic complexity of diagnostically unresolved Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Vandersteen Anthony M , Weerakkody Ruwan A , Parry David A , Kanonidou Christina , Toddie-Moore Daniel J , Vandrovcova Jana , Darlay Rebecca , Santoyo-Lopez Javier , Meynert Alison ,   NIHR BioResource, Kazkaz Hanadi , Grahame Rodney , Cummings Carole , Bartlett Marion , Ghali Neeti , Brady Angela F , Pope F Michael , van Dijk Fleur S , Cordell Heather J , Aitman Timothy J 
Published: October 2023

Background
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are heritable disorders of connective tissue (HDCT), reclassified in the 2017 nosology into 13 subtypes. The genetic basis for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) remains unknown.

Methods
Whole exome sequencing (WES) was undertaken on 174 EDS patients recruited from a national diagnostic service for complex EDS and a specialist clinic for hEDS. Patients had already undergone expert phenotyping, laboratory investigation and gene sequencing, but were without a genetic diagnosis. Filtered WES data were reviewed for genes underlying Mendelian disorders and loci reported in EDS linkage, transcriptome and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A genetic burden analysis (Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) <0.05) incorporating 248 Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) controls sequenced as part of the UK10K study was undertaken using TASER methodology.

Results
Heterozygous pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants were identified in known EDS and Loeys-Dietz (LDS) genes. Multiple variants of uncertain significance where segregation and functional analysis may enable reclassification were found in genes associated with EDS, LDS, heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD), Mendelian disorders with EDS symptomatology and syndromes with EDS-like features. Genetic burden analysis revealed a number of novel loci, although none reached the threshold for genome-wide significance. Variants with biological plausibility were found in genes and pathways not currently associated with EDS or HTAD.

Conclusions
We demonstrate the clinical utility of large panel-based sequencing and WES for patients with complex EDS in distinguishing rare EDS subtypes, LDS and related syndromes. Although many of the P and LP variants reported in this cohort would be identified with current panel testing, they were not at the time of this study, highlighting the use of extended panels and WES as a clinical tool for complex EDS. Our results are consistent with the complex genetic architecture of EDS and suggest a number of novel hEDS and HTAD candidate genes and pathways.
Wearable motion-based platform for functional spine health assessment
Authors: Mageswaran Prasath , Dufour Jonathan , Aurand Alexander , Knapik Gregory , Hani Hamed , Blakaj Dukagjin M , Khan Safdar , Hussain Nasir , Tiwari Maneesh , Vallabh Jayesh , Weaver Tristan , Marras William S 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionLow back pain is a significant burden to society and the lack of reliable outcome measures, combined with a prevailing inability to quantify the biopsychosocial elements implicated in the disease, impedes clinical decision-making and distorts treatment efficacy. This paper aims to validate the utility of a biopsychosocial spine platform to provide standardized wearable sensor-derived functional motion assessments to assess spine function and differentiate between healthy controls and patients. Secondarily, we explored the correlation between these motion features and subjective biopsychosocial measures.MethodsAn observational study was conducted on healthy controls (n=50) and patients with low back pain (n=50) to validate platform utility. The platform was used to conduct functional assessments along with patient-reported outcome assessments to holistically document cohort differences. Our primary outcomes were motion features; and our secondary outcomes were biopsychosocial measures (pain, function, etc).ResultsOur results demonstrated statistically significant differences in motion features between healthy and patient cohorts across anatomical planes. Importantly, we found velocity and acceleration in the axial plane showed the largest difference, with healthy controls having 49.7% and 55.7% higher values, respectively, than patients. In addition, we found significant correlations between motion features and biopsychosocial measures for pain, physical function and social role only.ConclusionsOur study validated the use of wearable sensor-derived functional motion metrics in differentiating healthy controls and patients. Collectively, this technology has the potential to facilitate holistic biopsychosocial evaluations to enhance spine care and improve patient outcomes.Trial registration numberNCT05776771.
Subclonal Somatic Copy-Number Alterations Emerge and Dominate in Recurrent Osteosarcoma
Authors: Kinnaman Michael D. , Zaccaria Simone , Makohon-Moore Alvin , Arnold Brian , Levine Max F. , Gundem Gunes , Arango Ossa Juan E. , Glodzik Dominik , Rodríguez-Sánchez M. Irene , Bouvier Nancy , Li Shanita , Stockfisch Emily , Dunigan Marisa , Cobbs Cassidy , Bhanot Umesh K. , You Daoqi , Mullen Katelyn , Melchor Jerry P. , Ortiz Michael V. , O'Donohue Tara J. , Slotkin Emily K. , Wexler Leonard H. , Dela Cruz Filemon S. , Hameed Meera R. , Glade Bender Julia L. , Tap William D. , Meyers Paul A. , Papaemmanuil Elli , Kung Andrew L. , Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Multiple large-scale genomic profiling efforts have been undertaken in osteosarcoma to define the genomic drivers of tumorigenesis, therapeutic response, and disease recurrence. The spatial and temporal intratumor heterogeneity could also play a role in promoting tumor growth and treatment resistance. We conducted longitudinal whole-genome sequencing of 37 tumor samples from 8 patients with relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma. Each patient had at least one sample from a primary site and a metastatic or relapse site. Subclonal copy-number alterations were identified in all patients except one. In 5 patients, subclones from the primary tumor emerged and dominated at subsequent relapses. MYC gain/amplification was enriched in the treatment-resistant clones in 6 of 7 patients with multiple clones. Amplifications in other potential driver genes, such as CCNE1, RAD21, VEGFA, and IGF1R, were also observed in the resistant copy-number clones. A chromosomal duplication timing analysis revealed that complex genomic rearrangements typically occurred prior to diagnosis, supporting a macroevolutionary model of evolution, where a large number of genomic aberrations are acquired over a short period of time followed by clonal selection, as opposed to ongoing evolution. A mutational signature analysis of recurrent tumors revealed that homologous repair deficiency (HRD)-related SBS3 increases at each time point in patients with recurrent disease, suggesting that HRD continues to be an active mutagenic process after diagnosis. Overall, by examining the clonal relationships between temporally and spatially separated samples from patients with relapsed/refractory osteosarcoma, this study sheds light on the intratumor heterogeneity and potential drivers of treatment resistance in this disease.

Significance:
The chemoresistant population in recurrent osteosarcoma is subclonal at diagnosis, emerges at the time of primary resection due to selective pressure from neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and is characterized by unique oncogenic amplifications.
Inhibition of PORCN Blocks Wnt Signaling to Attenuate Progression of Oral Carcinogenesis
Authors: Peña-Oyarzún Daniel , Flores Tania , Torres Vicente A. , Quest Andrew F.G. , Lobos-González Lorena , Kretschmar Catalina , Contreras Pamela , Maturana-Ramírez Andrea , Criollo Alfredo , Reyes Montserrat 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is commonly preceded by potentially malignant lesions, referred to as oral dysplasia. We recently reported that oral dysplasia is associated with aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, due to overexpression of Wnt ligands in a Porcupine (PORCN)-dependent manner. Pharmacologic inhibition of PORCN precludes Wnt secretion and has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach to treat established cancers. Nevertheless, there are no studies that explore the effects of PORCN inhibition at the different stages of oral carcinogenesis.

Experimental Design:
We performed a model of tobacco-induced oral cancer in vitro, where dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOK) were transformed into oral carcinoma cells (DOK-TC), and assessed the effects of inhibiting PORCN with the C59 inhibitor. Similarly, an in vivo model of oral carcinogenesis and ex vivo samples derived from patients diagnosed with oral dysplasia and OSCC were treated with C59.

Results:
Both in vitro and ex vivo oral carcinogenesis approaches revealed decreased levels of nuclear β-catenin and Wnt3a, as observed by immunofluorescence and IHC analyses. Consistently, reduced protein and mRNA levels of survivin were observed after treatment with C59. Functionally, treatment with C59 in vitro resulted in diminished cell migration, viability, and invasion. Finally, by using an in vivo model of oral carcinogenesis, we found that treatment with C59 prevented the development of OSCC by reducing the size and number of oral tumor lesions.

Conclusions:
The inhibition of Wnt ligand secretion with C59 represents a feasible treatment to prevent the progression of early oral lesions toward OSCC.
Do chronic total occlusive lesions affect patency of coronary bypass grafts to the right coronary artery?
Authors: Nishigawa Kosaku , Horibe Tatsuya , Hidaka Hideaki , Numaguchi Ryosuke , Takaki Jun , Yoshinaga Takashi , Fukui Toshihiro 
Published: October 2023

Objectives To evaluate the impact of chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions on the patency of bypass grafts to the right coronary artery territory. Methods Two hundred patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with revascularization to the right coronary artery territory between April 2015 and July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Study patients were divided into two groups according to their right coronary artery lesion: patients with CTO lesions ( n  =  76) and those without CTO lesions ( n  =  124). Graft flow of the right coronary artery territory was evaluated by intraoperative transit time flow measurement and patency of the bypass graft was evaluated by multidetector row computed tomography. Results A total of 200 patients (76 patients with CTO and 124 patients without CTO) were included in this study. Intraoperative transit time flow measurement demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the median mean graft flow (30 ml/min vs. 25 ml/min; p  =  0.114), pulsatility index (2.1 vs. 2.4; p  =  0.079), and diastolic filling rate (65% vs. 64%; p  =  0.844) between patients with CTO and those without CTO. Postoperative multidetector row computed tomography demonstrated that the patency of bypass grafts to the right coronary artery territory was similar between the groups (94.7% in patients with CTO vs. 96.0% in those without CTO; p  =  0.733). In patients with CTO, the patency of bypass graft tended to be worse in subgroup with rich collateral blood flow (Rentrop grade 3). Conclusions Chronic total occlusion lesions do not affect the patency of bypass grafts to the right coronary artery territory.
Investigation on the microstructure and mechanical property of friction stir lap welded acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/polycarbonate produced by double-pin tool
Authors: Yan Yinfei , Fang Kun , Ruan Hao , Liang Ning , Shen Yifu 
Published: October 2023

Friction stir lap welding (FSLW) of dissimilar acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) was conducted using a double-pin tool. The formation process of the weld and the influences of rotational speed on the microstructure and mechanical property were investigated. It was found that the weld was generated accompanying with the closure of old cavities in the front of the pins and the simultaneous regeneration of new cavities in the rear of the pins. Annular material flow on the vertical and horizontal directions occurred during FSLW. With the increase of the rotational speed, the PC anchors resulted from the upflow of plasticized PC layer and the shoulder affected zone both enlarged. Microstructure analysis of the weld nugget showed that PC was fragmented into lamellar, columnar, and spherical particles and their dimensions decreased when rotational speed increased. Lap-shear tensile tests showed that the weld strength increased with higher rotational speed and the maximum strength of the weld produced under 800 r/min reached 19.38 MPa, which was comparable to the ABS/PC welds produced by a tapered pin under the optimal parameters. Through the further optimization of such FSLW process, it was potential to join dissimilar polymeric components in future industrial manufacturing field.
Mental Health of Older Adults by Sexual Minority Status: Evidence From the 2021 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Masa Rainier , Inoue Megumi , Prieto Lucas , Baruah Dicky , Nosrat Sarah , Mehak Samreen , Operario Don 
Published: October 2023

This study explored differences among older adults in mental health by sexual minority status. Data came from the 2021 U.S. National Health Interview Survey. The study sample included older adults (or those aged ≥50 years, N = 15,559), and of those, two percent ( n = 380) self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Older LGB adults had significantly higher odds of reporting a diagnosis of depression and anxiety and experiencing serious psychological distress than older non-LGB adults. Additionally, older LGB adults reported higher odds of experiencing depression and anxiety more frequently than older non-LGB adults. Significant covariates included age, sex, housing, food security, and social support. Increased risk for mental illness may be long-term consequences of stigma and discrimination that this population has experienced over the life course. The combination of structural interventions and affirming mental healthcare that recognizes the cumulative negative experience among older LGB adults is necessary to achieve mental health equity.