bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of a novel point-of-care test for albuminuria in communities at high risk for chronic kidney disease in Thailand
Authors: Tungsanga Somkanya , Nantanawijit Rungrawee , Kiatamornrak Patcharakorn , Kulvichit Win , Ngoensawat Umphan , Tachaboon Sasipa , Dinhuzen Janejira , Chaisuriyong Watchadaporn , Komolpis Kittinan , Peerapornratana Sadudee , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Tungsanga Kriang , Bello Aminu K , Srisawat Nattachai 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern, and early detection is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. Albuminuria is an early marker and key prognostic marker in CKD, but reliable tools for its detection are limited particularly in low resource settings. We tested the utility of a novel, affordable point-of-care test (POCT) for albuminuria among high-risk individuals for CKD.MethodsThis is a community-based cross-sectional study covering 17 primary subdistrict healthcare units in Ban Phaeo District, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. The inclusion criteria were asymptomatic adult participants diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and/or aged over 60 years. We measured serum creatinine and quantitative urine albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) and administered POCT urine albumin strip test (Albii, K. BioSciences, Bangkok, Thailand) and urine dipstick test for protein. Participants with albuminuria or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by CKD-EPI 2009 equation <60 mL/min/1.73 m2were considered to have suspected CKD. We evaluated diagnostic performance of POCT urine albumin strip.ResultsAmong 2307 participants, 489 (20.3%) participants had reduced eGFR and/or albuminuria. The median eGFR was 93.23 (87.82, 98.73) mL/min/m2, and the median UACR was 9.15 (5.09, 20.96) mg/g. The POCT urine albumin strip showed a sensitivity of 0.70, specificity of 0.97 and accuracy of 0.92 compared with the quantitative UACR. Conversely, the POCT urine dipstick for protein had poor sensitivity, positive predictive value and accuracy.ConclusionThe urine albumin test strip is a highly effective tool to conduct point-of-care identification for early CKD among high-risk populations. Given the test’s diagnostic performance and ease of use, such test should be incorporated into health policy.
Knowledge, willingness to provide service and preparedness for monkeypox infection among medical practitioners working in Bangladesh: a multicentred cross-sectional study
Authors: Zaman Mir Susmita , Islam Salwa , Abid Shehab Uddin Al , Fardous Jannatul , Tabassum Tamanna , Hasan Monirul , Sharif Mohiuddin , Hasan Mohammad Jahid 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe resurfaced zoonotic disease, Monkeypox, has become a global public health concern recently. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the current knowledge, willingness to provide service during an outbreak and preparedness about human monkeypox among medical practitioners in Bangladesh.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among registered physicians at the three medical college hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Knowledge about monkeypox was assessed by 20 questions, collected through a self-answered paper-based structured questionnaire. Good knowledge was defined by 70% of correct responses among the asked questions. Willingness and preparedness to treat during the monkeypox outbreak were also assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the predictors of good knowledge of monkeypox infection. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS V.25.0.ResultOut of 385 physicians, two-thirds (63%) were male, and between 31 and 50 years of age (58%). A majority (91.4%) knew monkeypox is transmitted human-to-human, followed by sexual (55.1%) and vertical transmission (34.8%), but only 19.5% were aware of vaccine availability. Overall, about half of the respondents (57%) showed a good knowledge of monkeypox and the remainder (43%) had poor knowledge. Older age, higher education and having a higher job designation were found to be associated with good knowledge. However, only 30.1% expressed willingness to provide care, and just 22.3% believed their hospitals were prepared for a potential outbreak.ConclusionThe present study highlighted that physicians in Bangladesh possess a relatively good level of knowledge, with a lack of practical preparedness and willingness to serve in managing monkeypox cases during an outbreak.
A new approach to children’s work that prioritises resilience, well-being and agency: emerging findings from a ‘cash plus’ intervention in Bangladesh
Authors: Howard Neil , Roelen Keetie , Ton Giel , Hermoza Mauricio Espinoza , Al Mamun Saklain , Chowdhury Kabita , Aktar Taslima , Huq Lopita 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundCriticism of mainstream approaches to child labour is widespread and well-established. The Child Labour Action Research in South and Southeast Asia (CLARISSA) Cash Plus pilot sought to address these critiques through an innovative programme that prioritised the development of household resilience and well-being, and through increasing household capacity to make alternative choices around children’s work.ResearchFunded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, this pilot delivered unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) and needs-based case management and community mobilising across an entire slum neighbourhood in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Cash worth about 20% of household monthly income was delivered to all households for 7 months, with case work and community organising wrapped around for 21 months. The intended outcomes were that families would be able to increase their economic resilience and develop alternative capacities to meet their needs, with the intended goals of increasing well-being and the ability to make choices other than difficult or dangerous work for children. Research into impact was rooted in contribution analysis and combined bimonthly monitoring surveys administered by the community mobilisers; surveys at multiple time points; three rounds of targeted focus group discussions; three rounds of key informant interviews with case study households; community mobiliser diaries; and ethnographic observation.Results and conclusionsThe results strongly suggest that UCTs reduce poverty, increase economic resilience; improve well-being; and generate various household-level improvements that relate directly and indirectly to children’s work. They further suggest that case work and community organising act as a beneficial form of social protection and a tool for developing locally appropriate micro-responses to collective problems that commonly impact directly on well-being and indirectly on children’s work. These results point to the potential for this intervention to be scaled-up in efforts to achieve the eighth Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring decent work for all, including the elimination of child labour.
Transition-to-home arrangements for very preterm infants and related parental needs at perinatal centres in Austria and Switzerland: a cross-sectional multicentred study
Authors: Ebner Laura , Buehrer Lea , Kistler Simone , Jochumsen Ulla , Held Ulrike , Latal Beatrice , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe current study aims to give an overview of transition-to-home services provided by perinatal centres in Austria and Switzerland and to evaluate parental satisfaction with the care provided.MethodsThis cross-sectional multicentred study was conducted by performing two surveys between May 2022 and November 2023: one among all level III perinatal centres in Austria (n=7) and Switzerland (n=9) (institutional survey) and one among parents of very preterm infants treated at one selected perinatal centre in each of the two countries (parental survey). Both questionnaires consisted of matching questions focusing on current transition-to-home services.ResultsAll perinatal centres participated in the institutional survey and 61 out of 84 parents completed the parental questionnaire (response rate 72.6%). The discharge process to home was identified as a multidisciplinary effort involving various healthcare professionals with discrepancies in responses within and between institutional and parental questionnaires. Certain disparities were observed in the timing of discharge conversations between healthcare providers and parents. Most physicians mentioned initiating discharge discussions while the child was still in the intensive care unit, but only 14.8% of parents recalled these early conversations. One-fourth of perinatal centres actively contact patients after discharge. So far, video consultations or mobile applications have not been offered. While 95.1% of parents expressed satisfaction with the care received, there were concerns about contradictory medical information, particularly regarding breastfeeding.ConclusionThe transition-to-home process for very preterm infants presents several opportunities for improvement, especially concerning communication between healthcare providers and parents, lactation counselling services and the timely outreach to parents shortly after discharge. The findings of the current study may further improve this transition process and might aid in the development of a standardised programme that is tailored to parental needs.
Exploring survival rates in HIV-infected Ethiopian children receiving HAART: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Getaneh Yimam , Dejene Yared , Adankie Birhanemeskel T. , Khairunisa Siti Qamariyah , Husada Dominicus , Kuntaman Kuntaman , Lusida Maria Inge 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundStudies have shown a high rate of mortality among adults despite the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, long-term outcomes of HAART among children remain poorly documented in Ethiopia. This study aimed to estimate the survival rate and identify associated factors among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted from August to December 2022 in 13 health facilities (HFs) using records of 554 children (<15 years old) initiating HAART from 2007 to 2019. HFs were selected using probability proportional to the size of patients. Survival rate and predictors of mortality were estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional hazards, respectively. The analysis was done using STATA V.16.0.ResultOverall mortality among HIV-positive children taking HAART in Ethiopia in 12-year follow-up was 25.5%. Moreover, the mortality rate was 24 per 100 child-year observation. Survival during the median 9.65 (95% CI=9.30 to 10.00) years of follow-up was 0.50. There was a significant drop in the survival rate from the 6th year of follow-up (0.96) to the 8th year (0.78) till the 12th year (0.18). By the end of the follow-up period, 172 (23.69%) were lost to follow-up. There was a high risk of mortality among female (adjusted HRs (AHRs) (95% CI) =1.35 (1.14 to 1.65)), those with poor adherence (AHR (95% CI) =1.29 (1.13 to 1.35)), CD4 count of ≤200 cells/mm3(AHR (95% CI) =1.75 (1.33 to 2.30)) and baseline haemoglobin≤12 g/dL (AHR (95% CI) =1.8 (1.66 to 1.98)).ConclusionThe significant drop in the survival rate as of the 6th year follow-up and the high loss rate to follow-up call for programme attention. Close follow-up of children with low CD4 count, low haemoglobin and poor adherence could help improve survival.
Phase I study of BMS-986299, an NLRP3 agonist, as monotherapy and in combination with nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Nelson Blessie E , O'Brien Shaun , Sheth Rahul A , Hong David S , Naing Aung , Zhang Xiaoping , Xu Amy , Hamuro Lora , Suryawanshi Rasika , McKinley Derrick , Novosiadly Ruslan D , Piha-Paul Sarina A 
Published: January 2025

PurposeBMS-986299 is a first-in-class, NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin-domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome agonist enhancing adaptive immune and T-cell memory responses.Materials and methodsThis was a phase-I (NCT03444753) study that assessed the safety and tolerability of intra-tumoral BMS-986299 monotherapy (part 1A) and in combination (part 1B) with nivolumab, and ipilimumab in advanced solid tumors. Reported here are single-center results.Results36 patients were enrolled, with breast (31%), colorectal (17%), and head and neck (14%) being the more commonly enrolled cancers. Most patients (58%) had received prior immunotherapy. Therapy was well-tolerated, with G1-G2 fever (70%), neutrophilia (36%), and leukocytosis (33%) being the most common treatment-related adverse events with one case of G4 interstitial nephritis and one case of G3 hepatotoxicity and G3 colitis. Intratumoral BMS-986299 monotherapy resulted in dose-dependent increases in systemic exposure with increase in tumor CTLs (67%), CD4+ TILs (63%), along with notable above twofold increases in serum IL-1B, G-CSF and IL-6 at doses above 2000 µg. Systemic BMS-986299 exposure was positively associated with systemic cytokine elevation for G-CSF and IL-6. No antitumor activity was noted in BMS-986299 monotherapy cohort. However, in the combination therapy cohort (BMS-986299+nivolumab+ipilimumab), overall objective response rate was 10%, with confirmed PRs observed in TNBC, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative breast cancer, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.ConclusionBMS-986299 in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrated manageable toxicities, good tolerability, and promising antitumor activity in certain cancer types.Trial registration numberNCT03444753.
Glut3 overexpression improves environmental glucose uptake and antitumor efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors
Authors: Hu Wenhao , Li Feng , Liang Yue , Liu Shasha , Wang Shumin , Shen Chunyi , Zhao Yuyu , Wang Hui , Zhang Yi 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundGlucose deprivation inhibits T-cell metabolism and function. Glucose levels are low in the tumor microenvironment of solid tumors and insufficient glucose uptake limits the antitumor response of T cells. Furthermore, glucose restriction can contribute to the failure of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy for solid tumors. However, the impact of glucose restriction remains unknown in CAR-T cell therapy.MethodsGlucose transporters were detected and overexpressed in CAR-T cells. The impacts of glucose restriction on CAR-T cells were checked in vitro and in vivo.ResultsGlucose restriction significantly decreased CAR-T cell activation, effector function, and expansion. CAR-T cells expressed high levels of the glucose transporter Glut1, which has a low affinity for glucose. Overexpression of Glut1 failed to improve CAR-T cell function under glucose-restricted conditions. In contrast, the function and antitumor potential of CAR-T cells was enhanced by the overexpression of Glut3, which has the highest affinity for glucose among the Glut transporter family and is expressed in minor parts of CAR-T cells. Glut3-overexpressing CAR-T cells demonstrated increased tumoricidal efficacy in multiple xenografts and syngenetic mouse models. Furthermore, Glut3 overexpression activated the PI3K/Akt pathway and increased OXPHOS and mitochondrial fitness.ConclusionsWe provide a direct and effective approach to enhance low glucose uptake levels by CAR-T cells and improve their antitumor efficacy against solid tumors.
Middle meningeal artery embolization with surgical evacuation improves outcomes in chronic subdural hematoma: a multi-institutional and multinational database study
Authors: Lakhani Dhairya A , Balar Aneri B , Boo SoHyun , Bhatia Sanjay , Rai Ansaar T 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundMiddle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is emerging as a promising adjunctive treatment in patients with chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). This study presents real world multicenter data comparing outcomes in cSDH patients undergoing surgical treatment alone or combined with MMAE.MethodsThis multi-institutional, multinational, retrospective, propensity-matched study utilized the TriNetX platform to compare outcomes in patients undergoing surgical evacuation and MMAE versus surgery alone for cSDH. The outcomes included inpatient readmission, need for repeat surgery, and mortality at 6 months following treatment.ResultsAmong 253 108 patients with cSDH, 14 568 underwent surgical evacuation and 711 underwent surgical evacuation with MMAE. Patients who underwent surgical evacuation alone had higher odds of unplanned readmission, need for repeat surgery, and mortality at 6 months, both before and after propensity score matched analysis.ConclusionPatients undergoing MMAE with surgical evacuation for cSDH had reduced mortality along with reduced rates of readmission and reoperation, suggesting MMAE as a valuable adjunct in managing cSDH.
Effectiveness of the Interdisciplinary Home-bAsed Reablement Programme (I-HARP) on improving functional independence of people living with dementia: a multicentre, pragmatic, randomised, open-label, controlled trial
Authors: Jeon Yun-Hee , Simpson Judy , Fethney Judith , Krein Luisa , Shin Mirim , Low Lee-Fay , Woods Robert T , Mowszowski Loren , Hilmer Sarah , Naismith Sharon L , Clemson Lindy , Brodaty Henry , Naganathan Vasi , Miller Amberber Amanda , Kenny Danelle , Gitlin Laura , Szanton Sarah 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundWe investigated the effectiveness of an Interdisciplinary Home-bAsed Reablement Programme (I-HARP) on improving functional independence, health and well-being of people with dementia, family carer outcomes and costs.MethodA multicentre pragmatic parallel-arm randomised controlled trial compared I-HARP to usual care in community-dwelling people with mild to moderate dementia and their family carers in Sydney, Australia (2018–2022). I-HARP is a 4-month, home-based, dementia rehabilitation model delivered by an interdisciplinary team. Assessments were conducted at baseline (time-1), 4-month (time-2) and 12-month (time-3) follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the client’s functional independence using the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD) scale at time-2, based on intention-to-treat analyses.ResultOf 130 recruited client-carer dyads, 116 dyads (58/group) completed the trial. The I-HARP group were not significantly better in most outcome measures than usual care at both time-2 and time-3; with the only statistically significant difference being a reduction in home environment hazards at time-2. Post hoc subgroup analysis of 66 clients with mild dementia found significantly better functional independence in the intervention group compared with those in usual care: difference 8.99 on DAD (95% CI 1.21, 16.79) at time-2 and difference 12.16 (95% CI 1.93, 22.38) at time-3. Economic evaluation suggests potentially lower resource use in I-HARP compared with usual care, but the cost-effectiveness is uncertain.ConclusionPrimary outcomes were not met for a population of people with dementia, with severity ranging from mild to moderate and severe. The I-HARP model appeared to benefit functional independence of participants with mild dementia, with potential cost savings.Trial registration numberACTRN12618000600246.
EXamining the feasibility of exerCisE to manage symptoms of Lupus (EXCEL): a protocol for a randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Quickfall Megan , Green Scott , Hesketh Katie , Veldhuijzen Van Zanten Jet , Cocks Matthew , Reynolds John , Wadley Alex J 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionSLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in sustained hyperactivation of innate and adaptive immune cells and widespread inflammatory damage. Regular exercise reduces SLE symptoms including fatigue and joint pain and improves patient quality of life. However, most individuals with SLE are not sufficiently active to achieve these benefits, and guidance on the optimal approach to exercise is limited. EXCEL will examine the feasibility of conducting a large-scale randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of a remotely monitored, home-based, exercise programme with standard of care for individuals with SLE.Methods and analysis30 females with SLE will be recruited, and those randomised into Exercise (SLE-Ex) will codesign a progressive training plan with support from the research team. The aim of each 12-week plan will be to complete 150 min of moderate (60–70% heart rate max, HRmax) or 90 min of vigorous exercise (>70% HRmax) per week. SLE-Ex will be encouraged to exercise independently (without support) from weeks 13–18. Participants with SLE that are randomised into Control (SLE-Con) will maintain habitual activity without support for 18 weeks. Measures of feasibility and acceptability will be reported, and peripheral blood will be collected at weeks 0, 12 and 18 to explore whether the frequency, phenotype and metabolic profile of lymphocyte subsets has changed. Biomarkers of SLE activity, and self-reported measures of fatigue, sleep quality and health-related quality of life will also be monitored at these timepoints. Blood and self-reported measures will be compared with a healthy control (HC) group (n=15, age and body mass index matched) at baseline only.Ethics and disseminationA favourable ethical opinion was given by South East Scotland Research Ethics Committee (22/SS/0082). Findings will be disseminated at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberISRCTN72757645.
A pilot study on the effects of in-feed probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 (LGG) on vaccinated Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): microbiomes and Aeromonas salmonicida challenge resilience
Authors: Lorenc Natalia , Leadbeater Steven , Wang Josh , Ronholm Jennifer , Liu Xiaoji 
Published: January 2025

The use of probiotics is an alternative approach to mitigate the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture. In our study, we examined the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103, LGG) delivered in-feed on the weight, length, skin mucus, and faecal microbiomes of Atlantic salmon. We also challenged the salmon with Aeromonas salmonicida 2004-05MF26 (Asal2004) and assessed the mortality. Our results showed no significant change ( P > 0.05) in weight or length of Atlantic salmon or their resilience to Asal2004 infection after LGG feeding. Infection changed significantly the skin mucus and faecal microbiomes: Clostridium sensu stricto increased from 3.14% to 9.20% in skin mucus and 1.39% to 3.74% in faeces ( P < 0.05). Aeromonas increased from 0.02% to 0.60% in faeces ( P < 0.05). Photobacterium increased from not detected (0%) to 52.16% ( P < 0.01) and Aliivibrio decreased from 67.21% to 0.71% in faeces ( P < 0.01). After infection, Lactococcus (9.93%) and Lactobacillus (2.11%) in skin mucus of the LGG group were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than in the skin mucus from the rest of the groups (4.14% and 1.08%, respectively). In conclusion, LGG feeding did not further increase the resilience of vaccinated Atlantic salmon. Asal2004 infection had much greater impact on skin mucus and faecal microbiomes than LGG feeding.