bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility: Evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Hao-Yun , Liu Chao-Yu , Lo Yen-Li , Chiou Shih-Hwa , Lu Kai-Hsi , Lee Ming-Cheng , Wang Yuan-Hung 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is an immune checkpoint and regulates the immune function of T cells. However, previous findings regarding the association of CTLA-4 polymorphisms and breast cancer remain inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the potential effects of five polymorphisms (−1722 T/C, −1661 A/G −318 C/T, +49 A/G, and CT60 A/G) in the CTLA-4 gene on breast cancer susceptibility.

Methods:
Relevant literatures were systematically searched through electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to October 10, 2021. Available data were extracted and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate the pooling effect size. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was applied for assessing the quality of included studies. We conducted subgroup analyses based on ethnicity and control sources to explore levels of heterogeneity. Moreover, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were assessed.

Results:
Finally, a total of 12 eligible studies regarding CTLA-4 polymorphisms and breast cancer were included. For overall analyses, only the +49 A/G polymorphism was significantly associated with breast cancer under allelic (OR = 1.19), dominant (OR = 1.27), and recessive (OR = 1.27) models. Ethnicity-based subgroup analysis found that the +49 A/G polymorphism has a significant risk (OR = 2.03) of breast cancer under the recessive model in the non-Asian population. Studies with hospital-based controls showed that the +49 A/G polymorphism has significant breast cancer risks under allelic (OR = 1.44), dominant (OR = 1.86), and recessive (OR = 1.60) models. In addition, those with population-based controls found that −1722 T/C polymorphism has a significant breast cancer risk under allelic (OR = 1.19) and dominant (OR = 1.26) models.

Conclusion:
This meta-analysis suggested that CTLA-4 + 49 A/G polymorphism may significantly associate with breast cancer susceptibility. Future studies containing various populations are helpful for evaluating the impacts of CTLA-4 polymorphisms on breast cancer susceptibility.
Differentiating Peripherally Located Pulmonary Noncalcified Hamartoma From Carcinoid Using CT Radiomics Approaches
Authors: Yang Xiaohuang , Li Congrui , Hou Jing , Xiong Zhengping , Lin Huashan , Wu Shihang , Yu Xiaoping 
Published: January 2023

Objective
This article aimed to differentiate noncalcified hamartoma from pulmonary carcinoid preoperatively using computed tomography (CT) radiomics approaches.

Materials and Methods
The unenhanced CT (UECT) and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) data of noncalcified hamartoma (n = 73) and pulmonary carcinoid (n = 54; typical/atypical carcinoid = 13/41) were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were randomly divided into the training and validation sets. A total of 396 radiomics features were extracted from UECT and CECT, respectively. The features were selected by using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to construct a radiomics model. Clinical factors and radiomics features were integrated to build a nomogram model. The performance of clinical factors, radiomics, and nomogram models on the differential diagnosis between noncalcified hamartoma and carcinoid were investigated. Diagnostic performance of radiologists was also explored.

Result
In regard to distinguishing noncalcified hamartoma from carcinoid, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the clinical, radiomics, and nomogram models were 0.88, 0.94, and 0.96 in the training set UECT, and were 0.85, 0.92, and 0.96 in the training set CECT, respectively. The areas under the curve of the 3 models were 0.89, 0.96, and 0.96 in the validation set UECT, and were 0.79, 0.90, and 0.94 in the validation set CECT, respectively. The nomogram model exhibited good calibration and was clinically useful by decision curve analysis. Nomogram did not show significant improvement compared with radiomics, neither for UECT nor for CECT. Diagnostic performance of radiologists was lower than both radiomics and nomogram model.

Conclusions
Radiomics approaches may be useful in distinguishing peripheral pulmonary noncalcified hamartoma from carcinoid. Radiomics features extracted from CECT provided no significant benefit when compared with UECT.
Ultrasound Evaluation of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Zalaquett Eugenio , Gunabushanam Gowthaman , Vallejos Antonio , Dahiya Nirvikar 
Published: January 2023

AbstractChronic venous insufficiency is a common condition caused by valvular incompetence and/or obstruction of the lower extremity venous system. Chronic venous insufficiency presents in a wide range of clinical presentations, ranging from mild pain or edema to the development of varicose veins and nonhealing venous ulcers. Doppler ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality in the assessment of this condition and provides both anatomical and functional information in a noninvasive, cost-effective, and radiation-free manner. Knowledge of the anatomy and nomenclature, pathophysiology, equipment requisites, scanning protocols, relevant findings, and reporting nuances is essential to the creation of an accurate and clinically actionable report. Evaluation of the superficial and deep venous system for degree and extent of reflux is necessary to establish the diagnosis and to institute appropriate treatment.
ASSOCIATIONS OF THE SERUM ALBUMIN CONCENTRATION AND SEQUENTIAL ORGAN FAILURE ASSESSMENT SCORE AT DISCHARGE WITH 1-YEAR MORTALITY IN SEPSIS SURVIVORS: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
Authors: Lee Sang-Min , Jo You Hwan , Lee Jae Hyuk , Hwang Ji Eun , Park Inwon , Baek Sumin , Jeong Hwain , Um Young Woo , Kim Hee Eun 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study was performed to investigate the predictors of 1-year mortality at discharge in sepsis survivors. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of patients with sepsis and septic shock at a single center. Patients who survived hospitalization for sepsis or septic shock between January 2016 and December 2017 were included in this study. Age, sex, body mass index, laboratory results such as blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels, the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at the time of discharge and site of infection were compared between the survivors and nonsurvivors at 1 year postdischarge. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors of 1-year mortality. Results: During the study period, 725 sepsis patients were included in the analysis, 64 (8.8%) of whom died within the first year. The nonsurvivors were older and had a lower body mass index and a higher SOFA score at discharge than the survivors (P < 0.05). Among the laboratory results at discharge, hemoglobin, platelet counts, and albumin concentrations were lower in the nonsurvivors than in the survivors, whereas CRP was higher in the nonsurvivors than in the survivors. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, serum albumin <2.5 mg/dL and SOFA score ≥2 at discharge were identified as independent prognostic factors for 1-year mortality (odds ratio, 2.616; 95% confidence interval, 1.437–4.751 for albumin <2.5 mg/dL and 2.106, 1.199–3.801 for SOFA score ≥2, respectively). Conclusions: A low serum albumin concentration of <2.5 mg/dL and a high SOFA score of ≥2 at the time of discharge were prognostic factors for 1-year mortality in survivors of sepsis.
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Concerns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Key Population and Healthcare Workers Perspectives
Authors: Shen Yanhan , Franks Julie , Reidy William , Olsen Halli , Wang Chunhui , Mushimbele Nadine , Mazala Richted Tenda , Tchissambou Tania , Malele Faustin , Kilundu Apolinaire , Bingham Trista , Djomand Gaston , Mukinda Elie , Ewetola Raimi , Abrams Elaine J. , Teasdale Chloe A. 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACTKey populations (KP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including female sex workers (FSW), are disproportionally affected by HIV. Quantitative feedback surveys were conducted at seven health facilities in DRC with 70 KP clients enrolled in services to measure pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) benefits and concerns. The surveys also assessed satisfaction with PrEP services and experiences of stigma at the health facilities. Thirty healthcare workers (HCW) were surveyed to measure attitudes, beliefs, and acceptability of providing services to KP. KP client survey participants were primarily female SW. KP clients reported that the primary concern about taking PrEP was fear of side effects. HCW concurred with clients that experienced and anticipated side effects were a primary PrEP uptake concern, along with costs of clinic visits.
Determinants of protection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and Delta infections in fully vaccinated outpatients
Authors: Roy Alvaro , Saade Carla , Josset Laurence , Clément Bénédicte , Morfin Florence , Destras Grégory , Valette Martine , Icard Vinca , Oblette Antoine , Debombourg Marion , Garrigou Christine , Brengel-Pesce Karen , Generenaz Laurence , Saker Kahina , Hernu Romain , Pozzetto Bruno , Lina Bruno , Trabaud Mary-Anne , Trouillet-Assant Sophie , Bal Antonin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the association between the humoral and cellular immune responses and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection with Delta or Omicron BA.1 variants in fully vaccinated outpatients.MethodsAnti-RBD IgG levels and IFN-γ release were evaluated at PCR-diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in 636 samples from negative and positive patients during Delta and Omicron BA.1 periods.ResultsMedian levels of anti-RBD IgG in positive patients were significantly lower than in negative patients for both variants (p< 0.05). The risk of Delta infection was inversely correlated with anti-RBD IgG titres (aOR = 0.63, 95% CI [0.41; 0.95],p= 0.03) and it was lower in the hybrid immunity group compared to the homologous vaccination group (aOR = 0.22, 95% CI [0.05; 0.62],p= 0.01). In contrast, neither the vaccination scheme nor anti-RBD IgG titers were associated with the risk of BA.1 infection in multivariable analysis. IFN-γ release post-SARS-CoV-2 peptide stimulation was not different between samples from patients infected (either with Delta or Omicron BA.1 variant) or not (p= 0.77).ConclusionsOur results show that high circulating levels of anti-RBD IgG and hybrid immunity were independently associated with a lower risk of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in outpatients with differences according to the infecting variant.
WITHDRAWN: Body dysmorphic-induced Androgenic Anabolic Steroids usage and its association with mental health outcomes
Authors: Gawash Ahmed , Zia Hasan , Lo David F. 
Published: January 2023

Withdrawal statementThe authors have withdrawn this manuscript because of significant methodological errors: Upon further review, we identified significant errors in our methodology that could impact the validity of our findings. Specifically, we realized that some of the analyses were conducted incorrectly, which may have led to misleading conclusions. We believe these errors could compromise the integrity of the results and misinform readers about the implications of our work. We are committed to ensuring the highest standards in our research, and correcting these issues will require substantial revisions and additional analyses. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Does blood viscosity affect cerebral blood flow? A study in a population living in a high-altitude city
Authors: Huamaní Charles , Bayona-Pancorbo William , Sarmiento William , Córdova-Heredia Golda , Cruz-Huanca Luz , Damián-Saavedra Paulina , Requena Nathalie , Oré-Montalvo Víctor , Pérez-Alviz Carlos , Acuña-Mamani Juan C. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundViscosity affects flows by increasing resistance to movement; therefore, variations in blood viscosity (BV) levels could modify the cerebral blood flow.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the level of correlation between BV and cerebral blood flow in people acclimated to chronic hypoxia who have high BV levels.MethodsProspective observational study was conducted among clinically healthy young adults living in the city of Cusco (3,399 m above sea level). All participants were examined at low and high shear rates (75 and 300 sec−1) to simulate the dynamic component of BV. A transcranial Doppler study of the middle cerebral artery was performed to measure systolic, diastolic, and mean flow velocities (FVs) and resistance and pulsatility indices (PIs).ResultsA total of 131 participants were included. The median viscosity levels were 5.01cP [interquartile range (IQR): 4.45–5.73cP] at 300 sec−1and 6.16 cP [IQR: 5.58-7.20 cP] at 75 sec−1, the mean FV was 57 m/s [IQR: 50–65 m/s5], and the PI was 0.91 [0.86–1.02]. BV was negatively correlated with mean FV (r: −0.17, p=0.007), while it showed no correlation with other values of blood flow, resistance, or PI.ConclusionsChanges in BV levels have a minimal impact on the mean FV but not on other parameters. This finding suggests that in young and clinically healthy individuals, there are autoregulation mechanisms that compensate for BV variations, although they are not completely understood.
Extensive SARS-CoV-2 testing reveals BA.1/BA.2 asymptomatic rates and underreporting in school children
Authors: Martignoni Maria M. , Mohammadi Zahra , Loredo-Osti JC , Hurford Amy 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCase underreporting during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major challenge to the planning and evaluation of public health responses. Inconsistent underreporting can undermine effective risk assessment due to high uncertainty in predicted future scenarios. Underreporting rates have been particularly high among children and youth, given that asymptomatic school children were often considered a less vulnerable population. In January 2022, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) was experiencing an Omicron variant outbreak (BA.1/BA.2 subvariants) and public health officials recommended that all students returning to elementary, junior high, and high schools (∼59,452 students) complete two rapid antigen tests (RATs) to be performed three days apart. To estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, we asked parents and guardians to report the results of the RATs completed by K-12 students using an online survey, and to specify the students’ school level and if students with positive RAT results had symptoms. When comparing the survey responses with the number of cases and tests reported by the NL testing system, we found that 1 out of every 4.3 (3.1-5.3) positive households were captured by provincial case count, with 5.1% positivity estimated from the RAT results, and 1.2% positivity reported by the provincial testing system. The survey data indicate that a higher percentage of SARS-CoV-2 cases were found in elementary schools, with 62.9% of positive cases (95% CI: 44.3%, 83.0%) reported from elementary school students, and the remaining 37.1% (95% CI: 22.7%, 52.9%) reported from junior high and high school students. Asymptomatic infections were 59.8% of the positive cases, with no significant difference between asymptomatic rates in elementary schools (60.8%) or in junior high and high schools (58.1%). Given the low survey participation rate (3.5%), our results may suffer from sample selection biases, and should be interpreted with caution. Nonetheless, our estimate of the underreporting ratio is consistent with ratios calculated from serology data, and our study provides insights into infection prevalence and asymptomatic infections in school children, a currently understudied population.We declare thatThis manuscript is original and is not a violation or infringement of any existing copyright or licenseThe manuscript is not under consideration elsewhereAll authors meet the definition of authorship as set out by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)Permission has been obtained from the copyright holder(s) if indicated, for the use of any third-party textual, graphic, artistic or other material
SARS-CoV-2 Envelope protein triggers depression and dysosmia via TLR2 mediated neuroinflammation
Authors: Su Wenliang , Ju Jiahang , Gu Minghui , Wang Xinrui , Liu Shaozhuang , Yu Jiawen , Mu Dongliang 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundDepression and dysosmia have been regarded as the main neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients, the mechanism of which remains unclear. Current studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein served as a pro-inflammatory factor as sensed by Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2), suggesting the viral infection independent pathological feature of E protein. In this study, we aim to determine the role of E protein in depression, dysosmia and associated neuroinflammation in central nervous system (CNS).MethodsDepression and olfactory function were observed in both female and male mice as receiving intracisternal injection of envelope protein. Immunohistochemistry was applied in conjunction with RT-PCR to assess the glial activation, blood-brain barrier status and mediators synthesis in cortex, hippocampus and olfactory bulb. TLR2 was pharmacologically blocked to determine its role in E protein related depression and dysosmia.ResultsIntracisternal injection of envelope protein evoked depression and dysosmia in both female and male mice. Immunohistochemistry suggested that envelope protein upregulated IBA1 and GFAP in cortex, hippocampus and olfactory bulb, while ZO-1 was downregulated. Moreover, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, CCL2, MMP2 and CSF1 were upregulated in both cortex and hippocampus, whereas IL-1β, IL-6 and CCL2 were upregulated in olfactory bulb. Furtherly, inhibiting microglia, but not astrocyte, alleviated depression and dysosmia induced by envelope protein. Finally, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry suggested that TLR2 was upregulated in cortex, hippocampus and olfactory bulb, the blocking of which mitigated depression and dysosmia induced by envelope protein.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that envelope protein could directly induce depression and dysosmia together with obvious neuroinflammation in CNS. TLR2 mediated depression and dysosmia induced by envelope protein, which could serve as a promising therapeutic target for neurological manifestation in COVID-19 patients.
Terrestrial laser scan metrics predict surface vegetation biomass and consumption in a frequently burned southeastern U.S. ecosystem
Authors: Loudermilk E. Louise , Pokswinski Scott , Hawley Christie M. , Maxwell Aaron , Gallagher Michael , Skowronski Nicholas , Hudak Andrew T. , Hoffman Chad , Hiers J. Kevin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractFire-prone landscapes found throughout the world are increasingly managed with prescribed fire for a variety of objectives. These frequent low-intensity fires directly impact lower forest strata, and thus estimating surface fuels or understory vegetation is essential for planning, evaluating, and monitoring management strategies and studying fire behavior and effects. Traditional fuel estimation methods have applications for stand-level and canopy fuel loading; however, local-scale understory biomass remains challenging because of complex within-stand heterogeneity and fast recovery post-fire. Previous studies have demonstrated how single location terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) can be used to estimate plot-level vegetation characteristics and impacts from prescribed fire. To build upon this methodology, co-located single TLS scans and physical biomass measurements were used to generate linear models for predicting understory vegetation and fuel biomass as well as consumption by fire in a southeastern U.S. pineland. A variable selection method was used to select the six most important TLS-derived structural metrics for each linear model, where model fit ranged in R2from 0.61 to 0.74. This study highlights a prospect for efficiently estimating vegetation and fuel characteristics relevant to prescribed burning via the integration of a single-scan TLS method adaptable by managers and relevant for coupled fire-atmosphere models.
Tricycle surveillance in Antananarivo, Madagascar: circulation of both extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producingEscherichia colistrains and plasmids among humans, chickens and the environment
Authors: Milenkov Milen , Proux Caroline , Rasolofoarison Tiavina Lalaina , Rakotomalala Fetra Angelot , Rasoanandrasana Saida , Rahajamanana Lalaina Vonintsoa , Rafalimanana Christian , Ravaoarisaina Zakasoa , Ramahatafandry Ilo Tsimok’Haja , Westeel Emilie , Petitjean Marie , Marin Julie , Mullaert Jimmy , Han Lien , Clermont Olivier , Raskine Laurent , Endtz Hubert , Andremont Antoine , Denamur Erick , Komurian-Pradel Florence , Hervé Samison Luc , Armand-Lefevre Laurence 
Published: January 2023

SummaryBackgroundAntimicrobial resistance is a major public health threat, affecting not only humans but also animals and the environment. Although the “One Health” dimension of resistance is well recognized, data are lacking on the circulation of resistance, particularly in low-income countries. The World Health Organization has proposed a protocol called Tricycle, focusing on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-Escherichia colisurveillance in the three sectors. We implemented Tricycle in Madagascar to assess ESBL-E. coliprevalence and describe intra- and inter-sector circulation of ESBL-E. coliand plasmids.Methods289 pregnant women, 246 farm chickens and 28 surface waters were sampled in Antananarivo (the capital city) area and tested for ESBL-E. coli. Isolates were sequenced by short-(Illumina) and long-(Nanopore) read methods.FindingsESBL-E. coliprevalence was 29·8%, 56·9% and 100% in pregnant women, chickens, and the environment, respectively. The wet season was associated with higher rates of carriage in humans (OR=3·1, 95%CI 1·8-5·3) and animals (OR=2·8 95%CI 1·7-4·8). Sequencing of 277 non-duplicated isolates (82, 118 and 77 from each sector, respectively) showed high genetic diversity (90 STs identified) with differences between sectors. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis revealed 169/277 (61%) isolates grouped into 44 clusters (≥2 isolates) of closely related isolates (<40 SNPs), of which 24 contained isolates from two sectors and five contained isolates from all three sectors. ESBL genes were allblaCTX-M(77.6%blaCTX-M-15), chromosomally integrated in 57·4% (159/277) of isolates, and plasmidic in 40·8% (113/277). The 114 ESBL-carrying plasmids were mainly IncF (55·2%, n=63) and IncY (36·8%, n=42). The F31/36:A4:B1 (n=13) and F-:A-:B53 (n=8) subtypes, and all IncY plasmids, highly conserved, were observed in isolates of differing genetic backgrounds from all sectors.InterpretationDespite varying strain population structures in the three sectors, both ESBL-E. colistrains and plasmids are circulating among humans, chickens and the environment in the capital of Madagascar.FundingFondation Mérieux, INSERM, Université Paris Cité