bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the impact of COVID-19 social distancing measures on sexual health behaviours and access to HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for people living with HIV in Botswana
Authors: Ensor Samuel , Mechie Imogen , Ryan Rebecca , Mussa Aamirah , Bame Bame , Tamuthiba Lefhela , Moshashane Neo , Morroni Chelsea 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionUninterrupted access to HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services is essential, particularly in high HIV prevalence settings, to prevent unintended pregnancy and vertical HIV transmission. Understanding the challenges that COVID-19 and associated social distancing measures (SDMs) posed on health service access is imperative for future planning.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Botswana between January–February 2021. A web-based questionnaire was disseminated on social media as part of the International Sexual Health and REproductive Health (I-SHARE) Survey. Respondents answered questions on SRH, before and during COVID-19 SDMs. Subgroup analysis and comparison of descriptive data was performed for people living with HIV (PLWH).ResultsOf 409 participants, 65 were PLWH (80% female, 20% male). During SDMs, PLWH found it more difficult to access condoms and treatment for HIV and STIs; attend HIV appointments; and maintain adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Compared to HIV-negative women, a higher proportion of women living with HIV used condoms as their primary method of contraception (54% vs. 48%), and had lower use of long-acting reversible contraception (8% vs. 14%) and dual contraception (8% vs. 16%).DiscussionMirroring global trends, COVID-19 disrupted HIV and SRH service access in Botswana. However, in high HIV-prevalence settings, disruption may more severely impact population health with disproportionate effects on women. Integration of HIV and SRH services could build health system capacity and resilience, reduce missed opportunities for delivering SRH services to PLWH and limit the consequences of future restrictions that may cause health system disruption
Identification of a novel immune landscape signature as effective diagnostic markers related to immune cell infiltration in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhou Huandi , Mu Lin , Yang Zhifen , Shi Yonghong 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe study aimed to identify core biomarkers related to diagnosis and immune microenvironment regulation and explore the immune molecular mechanism of diabetic nephropathy (DN) through bioinformatics analysis.MethodsGSE30529, GSE99325, and GSE104954 were merged with removing batch effects, and different expression genes (DEGs) were screened at a criterion |log2FC| &gt;0.5 and adjusted P &lt;0.05. KEGG, GO, and GSEA analyses were performed. Hub genes were screened by conducting PPI networks and calculating node genes using five algorithms with CytoHubba, followed by LASSO and ROC analysis to accurately identify diagnostic biomarkers. In addition, two different GEO datasets, GSE175759 and GSE47184, and an experiment cohort with 30 controls and 40 DN patients detected by IHC, were used to validate the biomarkers. Moreover, ssGSEA was performed to analyze the immune microenvironment in DN. Wilcoxon test and LASSO regression were used to determine the core immune signatures. The correlation between biomarkers and crucial immune signatures was calculated by Spearman analysis. Finally, cMap was used to explore potential drugs treating renal tubule injury in DN patients.ResultsA total of 509 DEGs, including 338 upregulated and 171 downregulated genes, were screened out. “chemokine signaling pathway” and “cell adhesion molecules” were enriched in both GSEA and KEGG analysis. CCR2, CX3CR1, and SELP, especially for the combination model of the three genes, were identified as core biomarkers with high diagnostic capabilities with striking AUC, sensitivity, and specificity in both merged and validated datasets and IHC validation. Immune infiltration analysis showed a notable infiltration advantage for APC co-stimulation, CD8+ T cells, checkpoint, cytolytic activity, macrophages, MHC class I, and parainflammation in the DN group. In addition, the correlation analysis showed that CCR2, CX3CR1, and SELP were strongly and positively correlated with checkpoint, cytolytic activity, macrophages, MHC class I, and parainflammation in the DN group. Finally, dilazep was screened out as an underlying compound for DN analyzed by CMap.ConclusionsCCR2, CX3CR1, and SELP are underlying diagnostic biomarkers for DN, especially in their combination. APC co-stimulation, CD8+ T cells, checkpoint, cytolytic activity, macrophages, MHC class I, and parainflammation may participate in the occurrence and development of DN. At last, dilazep may be a promising drug for treating DN.
Pre-existing immunity to SARS-CoV-2 before the COVID-19 pandemic era in Cameroon: A comparative analysis according to HIV-status
Authors: Aissatou Abba , Fokam Joseph , Semengue Ezechiel Ngoufack Jagni , Takou Désiré , Ka’e Aude Christelle , Ambe Collins Chenwi , Nka Alex Durand , Djupsa Sandrine Claire , Beloumou Grâce , Ciaffi Laura , Tchouaket Michel Carlos Tommo , Nayang Audrey Rachel Mundo , Pabo Willy Leroi Togna , Essomba René Ghislain , Halle Edie G. E. , Okomo Marie-Claire , Bissek Anne-Cecile ZK. , Leke Rose , Boum Yap , Mballa Georges Alain Etoundi , Montesano Carla , Perno Carlo-Federico , Colizzi Vittorio , Ndjolo Alexis 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe lower burden of COVID-19 in tropical settings may be due to preexisting cross-immunity, which might vary according to geographical locations and potential exposure to other pathogens. We sought to assess the overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and determine SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity according to HIV-status before the COVID-19 pandemic era.MethodsA cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted at the Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre (CIRCB) on 288 stored plasma samples (163 HIV-positive versus 125 HIV-negative); all collected in 2017-2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic era. Abbott Panbio™ COVID-19 IgG/IgM assay was used for detecting SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM). Among people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV-1 viral load and TCD4 cell count (LTCD4) were measured using Abbott Real Time PCR and BD FACSCalibur respectively. Statistical analyses were performed, with p&lt;0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsThe median [IQR] age was 25 [15-38] years. Overall seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 13.5% (39/288) of which 7.3% (21) was IgG, 7.3% (21) IgM and 1.0% (3) IgG/IgM. According to HIV-status in the study population, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was 11.0% (18/163) among HIV-positive versus 16.8% (21/125) among HIV-negative respectively, p=0.21. Specifically, IgG was 6.1% (10/163) versus 8.8% (11/125), p=0.26; IgM was 5.5% (9/163) versus 9.6%, (12/125), p=0.13 and IgG/IgM was 0.6% (1/163) versus 1.6% (2/125) respectively. Among PLHIV, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity according to CD4 count was 9.2% (≥500 cells/µL) versus 1.8% (200-499 cells/µL), (OR=3.5; p=0.04) and 0.6% (&lt;200 cells/µL), (OR=17.7; p&lt;0.01). According to viral load, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was 6.7% (≥40 copies/mL) versus 4.9% (&lt;40 copies/mL), (OR= 3.8; p&lt;0.01).ConclusionBefore COVID-19 in Cameroon, cross-reactive antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were in circulation, indicating COVID-19 preexisting immunity. This preexisting immunity may contribute in attenuating disease severity in tropical settings like Cameroon. Of relevance, COVID-19 preexisting immunity is lower with HIV-infection, specifically with viral replication and poor CD4-cell count. As poor CD4-count leads to lower cross-reactive antibodies (regardless of viral load), people living with HIV appear more vulnerable to COVID-19 and should be prioritized for vaccination.
Facile fabrication of flexible and adhesive micro-supercapacitor tapes from conducting polymer solution for self-powered wearable sensing system
Authors: Yuan Wenxiong , Zhao Chen , Zhang Xiaoxian , Min Yonggang , Shu Kewei 
Published: March 2023

Flexible micro-supercapacitor (MSC) with in-plane electrodes has attracted significant attention as microscale energy storage device. Especially, flexible MSCs with adhesion properties are of great interest for wearable electronics. Here, we demonstrate a facile and cost-effective mask-assisted drop-casting method to fabricate adhesive MSC on medical tape using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) doped poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) aqueous solution. The fabricated MSC with poly (vinyl alcohol)/H3PO4 gel electrolyte exhibits an areal specific capacitance of 10.96 mF cm−2 at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2 with excellent mechanical flexibility. The MSC can be attached on various substrates due to the stickiness of the medical tape. For practical application, the MSC can be coupled with a solar cell to achieve a stand-alone power supply system for a flex senor in monitoring finger movements. Therefore, we believe that the mask-assisted drop-casting method paves a new way to develop flexible and adhesive MSCs for self-powered integrated wearable electronics.
Rapid visualization of Clostridioides difficile toxins A and B by multiplex RPA combined with CRISPR-Cas12a
Authors: Jiang Tong , Hu Xinyi , Lin Chunhui , Xia Zhaoxin , Yang Wensu , Zhu Yi , Xu Huaming , Tang Hao , Shen Jilu 
Published: March 2023

PurposeClostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection is the most common cause of nosocomial infection, which is a severe challenge in modern medical care. Currently, many laboratory diagnostic methods for C. difficile are available, such as PCR, culture-based tests, and antigen-based tests. However, these methods are not suitable for rapid point-of-care testing (POCT). Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective method to detect C. difficile toxin genes.MethodsRecently, the development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has emerged as a promising tool for rapid POCT. In this study, we developed a rapid and specific detection platform for dual C. difficile toxins by combining recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and CRISPR/Cas12a.ResultsThe platform includes multiplex RPA-cas12a-fluorescence assay and multiplex RPA-cas12a-LFS (Lateral flow strip) assay, through which the detection limit for tcdA and tcdB was 10 copies/μL and 1 copy/μL, respectively. The results can be more clearly distinguished using a violet flashlight, which realized a portable visual readout. The platform can be tested within 50 min. Furthermore, our method did not cross-react with other pathogens that cause intestinal diarrhea. The results of 10 clinical samples using our method was 100% consistent with those from real-time PCR detection.ConclusionIn conclusion, the CRISPR-based double toxin gene detection platform for C. difficile is an effective, specific, and sensitive detection method, which can be used as a powerful on-site detection tool for POCT in the future.
Analysis of synonymous codon usage patterns in mitochondrial genomes of nine Amanita species
Authors: Li Qiang , Luo Yingyong , Sha Ajia , Xiao Wenqi , Xiong Zhuang , Chen Xiaodie , He Jing , Peng Lianxin , Zou Liang 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionCodon basis is a common and complex natural phenomenon observed in many kinds of organisms.MethodsIn the present study, we analyzed the base bias of 12 mitochondrial core protein-coding genes (PCGs) shared by nine Amanita species.ResultsThe results showed that the codons of all Amanita species tended to end in A/T, demonstrating the preference of mitochondrial codons of Amanita species for a preference for this codon. In addition, we detected the correlation between codon base composition and the codon adaptation index (CAI), codon bias index (CBI), and frequency of optimal codons (FOP) indices, indicating the influence of base composition on codon bias. The average effective number of codons (ENC) of mitochondrial core PCGs of Amanita is 30.81, which is &lt;35, demonstrating the strong codon preference of mitochondrial core PCGs of Amanita. The neutrality plot analysis and PR2-Bias plot analysis further demonstrated that natural selection plays an important role in Amanita codon bias. In addition, we obtained 5–10 optimal codons (ΔRSCU &gt; 0.08 and RSCU &gt; 1) in nine Amanita species, and GCA and AUU were the most widely used optimal codons. Based on the combined mitochondrial sequence and RSCU value, we deduced the genetic relationship between different Amanita species and found large variations between them.DiscussionThis study promoted the understanding of synonymous codon usage characteristics and evolution of this important fungal group.
Prognostic role of the pretreatment systemic immune-inflammation index in patients with glioma: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Sunhuan , Ni Qunqin 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been recognized as the indicator that reflects the status of immune responses. The SII is related to the prognostic outcome of many malignancies, whereas its role in gliomas is controversial. For patients with glioma, we, therefore, conducted a meta-analysis to determine if the SII has a prognostic value.MethodsStudies relevant to this topic were searched from 16 October 2022 in several databases. In patients with glioma, the relation of the SII level with the patient prognosis was analyzed based on hazard ratios (HRs) as well as corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, subgroup analysis was conducted to examine a possible heterogeneity source.ResultsThere were eight articles involving 1,426 cases enrolled in the present meta-analysis. The increased SII level predicted the dismal overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.55–2.12, p &lt; 0.001) of glioma cases. Furthermore, an increased SII level also predicted the prognosis of progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.44–2.43, p &lt; 0.001) in gliomas. An increased SII was significantly associated with a Ki-67 index of ≥30% (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.10–2.69, p = 0.017). However, a high SII was not correlated with gender (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.78–1.41, p = 0.734), KPS score (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.17–2.37, p = 0.505), or symptom duration (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.37–4.06, p = 0.745).ConclusionThere was a significant relation between an increased SII level with poor OS and the PFS of glioma cases. Moreover, patients with glioma with a high SII value have a positive relationship with a Ki-67 of ≥30%.
Long-term neuropsychological outcomes in children with febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) treated with anakinra
Authors: Shrestha Anima , Wood E. Lynne , Berrios-Siervo Gretchen , Stredny Coral M. , Boyer Katrina , Vega Clemente , Nangia Srishti , Muscal Eyal , Eschbach Krista 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundFebrile-infection related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a rare epilepsy syndrome in which a previously healthy individual develops refractory status epilepticus in the setting of a preceding febrile illness. There are limited data regarding detailed long-term outcomes. This study aims to describe the long-term neuropsychological outcomes in a series of pediatric patients with FIRES.MethodsThis is a retrospective multi-center case series of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of FIRES treated acutely with anakinra who had neuropsychological testing at least 12 months after status epilepticus onset. Each patient underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation as part of routine clinical care. Additional data collection included the acute seizure presentation, medication exposures, and outcomes.ResultsThere were six patients identified with a median age of 11.08 years (IQR: 8.19–11.23) at status epilepticus onset. Anakinra initiation was a median of 11 days (IQR: 9.25–13.50) after hospital admission. All patients had ongoing seizures and none of the patients returned to baseline cognitive function with a median follow-up of 40 months (IQR 35–51). Of the five patients with serial full-scale IQ testing, three demonstrated a decline in scores over time. Testing results revealed a diffuse pattern of deficits across domains and all patients required special education and/or accommodations for academic learning.ConclusionsDespite treatment with anakinra, neuropsychological outcomes in this series of pediatric patients with FIRES demonstrated ongoing diffuse neurocognitive impairment. Future research will need to explore the predictors of long-term neurocognitive outcomes in patients with FIRES and to evaluate if acute treatment interventions improve these outcomes.
Evidence of polygenic regulation of the physiological presence of neurofilament light chain in human serum
Authors: Herrera-Rivero Marisol , Hofer Edith , Maceski Aleksandra , Leppert David , Benkert Pascal , Kuhle Jens , Schmidt Reinhold , Khalil Michael , Wiendl Heinz , Stoll Monika , Berger Klaus 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThe measurement of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in blood is a promising biomarker of neurological injury and disease. We investigated the genetic factors that underlie serum NfL levels (sNfL) of individuals without neurological conditions.MethodsWe performed a discovery genome-wide association study (GWAS) of sNfL in participants of the German BiDirect Study (N = 1,899). A secondary GWAS for meta-analysis was performed in a small Austrian cohort (N = 287). Results from the meta-analysis were investigated in relation with several clinical variables in BiDirect.ResultsOur discovery GWAS identified 12 genomic loci at the suggestive threshold ((p &lt; 1 × 10−5). After meta-analysis, 7 loci were suggestive of an association with sNfL. Genotype-specific differences in sNfL were observed for the lead variants of meta-analysis loci (rs34523114, rs114956339, rs529938, rs73198093, rs34372929, rs10982883, and rs1842909) in BiDirect participants. We identified potential associations in meta-analysis loci with markers of inflammation and renal function. At least 6 protein-coding genes (ACTG2, TPRKB, DMXL1, COL23A1, NAT1, and RIMS2) were suggested as genetic factors contributing to baseline sNfL levels.DiscussionOur findings suggest that polygenic regulation of neuronal processes, inflammation, metabolism and clearance modulate the variability of NfL in the circulation. These could aid in the interpretation of sNfL measurements in a personalized manner.
Prediction of ground reaction forces and moments during walking in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kloeckner Julie , Visscher Rosa M. S. , Taylor William R. , Viehweger Elke , De Pieri Enrico 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionGait analysis is increasingly used to support clinical decision-making regarding diagnosis and treatment planning for movement disorders. As a key part of gait analysis, inverse dynamics can be applied to estimate internal loading conditions during movement, which is essential for understanding pathological gait patterns. The inverse dynamics calculation uses external kinetic information, normally collected using force plates. However, collection of external ground reaction forces (GRFs) and moments (GRMs) can be challenging, especially in subjects with movement disorders. In recent years, a musculoskeletal modeling-based approach has been developed to predict external kinetics from kinematic data, but its performance has not yet been evaluated for altered locomotor patterns such as toe-walking. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate how well this prediction method performs for gait in children with cerebral palsy.MethodsThe method was applied to 25 subjects with various forms of hemiplegic spastic locomotor patterns. Predicted GRFs and GRMs, in addition to associated joint kinetics derived using inverse dynamics, were statistically compared against those based on force plate measurements.ResultsThe results showed that the performance of the predictive method was similar for the affected and unaffected limbs, with Pearson correlation coefficients between predicted and measured GRFs of 0.71–0.96, similar to those previously reported for healthy adults, despite the motor pathology and the inclusion of toes-walkers within our cohort. However, errors were amplified when calculating the resulting joint moments to an extent that could influence clinical interpretation.ConclusionTo conclude, the musculoskeletal modeling-based approach for estimating external kinetics is promising for pathological gait, offering the possibility of estimating GRFs and GRMs without the need for force plate data. However, further development is needed before implementation within clinical settings becomes possible.
Binocular dynamic visual acuity in dry eye disease patients
Authors: Ren Xiaotong , Wang Yuexin , Wu Tingyi , Jing Dalan , Li Xuemin 
Published: March 2023

PurposeTo investigate binocular dynamic visual acuity (DVA) for patients with dry eye disease (DED).MethodsThe prospective study included DED patients. The binocular DVA at 40 and 80 degrees per second (dps), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), tear film break-up time first (TBUTF), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), eyelid margin abnormalities and meibomian gland (MG) abnormalities morphology and function were evaluated. A deep learning model was applied to quantify the MG area proportion. The correlation between DVA and DED parameters was analyzed.ResultsA total of 73 DED patients were enrolled. The age, OSDI, CFS, MG expressibility, secretion quality, and eyelid margin abnormalities were significantly positively correlated with the DVA for 40 and 80 dps (all P &lt; 0.05). The MG area proportion in the upper eyelid was negatively correlated with DVA at 40 dps (R = −0.293, P &lt; 0.001) and at 80 dps (R = −0.304, P &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analysis by MG grade demonstrated that the DVA of patients with severe MG dropout (&lt;25% of the total area) was significantly worse than other mild and moderate groups, both in 40 and 80 dps (all P &lt; 0.05). The patients with CFS showed worse 40 (P &lt; 0.001) and 80 dps (P &lt; 0.001) DVA than the patients without CFS.ConclusionBinocular DVA is significantly associated with DED symptoms and signs. The DED patients with CFS and severe MG dropout and dysfunction have worse DVA.