bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cotinine concentrations in maternal serum and amniotic fluid during pregnancy and risk of testicular germ cell cancer in the offspring: A prospective nested case‐control study
Authors: Beck Astrid L. , Uldbjerg Cecilie S. , Lim Youn‐Hee , Coull Brent A. , Sørensen Karina M. , Utko Magdalena M. , Wilkowski Bartlomiej , Rantakokko Panu , Bengtsson Marie , Lindh Christian , Petersen Jørgen H. , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Hauser Russ , Juul Anders , Bräuner Elvira V. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMaternal smoking in pregnancy may increase the risk of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) in offspring, but current evidence remains inconclusive. We performed a nested case‐control study using cotinine measurements in maternal serum and amniotic fluid as a biomarker for tobacco exposure during pregnancy. A total of 654 males with maternal serum (n = 359, ncases/controls = 71/288) and/or amniotic fluid (n = 295, ncases/controls = 66/229) samples were included. Data on TGCC diagnoses and relevant covariates were derived from nationwide Danish health registries. Cotinine was quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. An adapted cox regression model estimated the risk of TGCC considering active and inactive tobacco use defined according to cotinine concentrations of <, ≥15 ng/ml. Overall, the concentrations of cotinine were comparable in maternal serum and amniotic fluid (medianserum/amniotic fluid: 2.1/2.6 ng/ml). A strong statistically significant correlation was detected in 14 paired samples (Spearman rho: 0.85). Based on maternal serum cotinine concentrations, exposure to active tobacco use was not associated with risk of TGCC in offspring (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.51; 1.52). Similarly, based on amniotic fluid cotinine concentrations, exposure to active tobacco use was not associated with risk of TGCC (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.64; 1.95). However, different risks were observed for seminomas and nonseminomas in both matrices, but none were statistically significant. Our findings did not provide convincing evidence supporting that exposure to tobacco during pregnancy is associated with TGCC.
Obstetric practice differences between Syrian refugees and non‐Syrian nonrefugee gravidae: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kasoha Mariz , Nigdelis Meletios P. , Bishara Leila , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Solomayer Erich‐Franz , Haj Hamoud Bashar 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess differences in obstetric practices between Syrian war refugees (SRs) and non‐Syrian nonrefugees (NSRs) in a tertiary care provider in Germany.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of SRs (n = 356) and NSRs (n = 5836) giving birth between January 2015 and December 2018. Data on medical history, birth mode, complications, and neonatal parameters was extracted. Group differences were evaluated using Mann–Whitney and χ2 test. Logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the association of refugee status with mode of birth in conditions associated with increased risk of cesarean section (CS).ResultsSRs had higher rates of adolescent pregnancies (1.7% versus 0.6%, P = 0.020) but fewer maternal diseases compared with NSRs (1.7% versus 3.9%, P = 0.035). The rate of CS was higher in the NSR group (43.9% versus 36%, P = 0.003), as well as the rates of premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.006) and steroid administration for lung maturation (P = 0.012). Cases of umbilical artery pH ≤7.0 were more common in SRs (0.4% versus 1.1%, P = 0.027). Women with previous CS had similar odds of CS in the current pregnancy irrespective of study group (odds ratio, 0.94 [95% confidence interval, 0.50–1.75]).ConclusionSR women had lower rates of CS but higher rates of adolescent pregnancies and neonatal pH ≤7.0 at birth compared with NSR women.
Women's experience of polycystic ovary syndrome management: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis
Authors: Guan Minhui , Li Rong , Shen Quan , Wang Guang Peng , Li Ziyan , Xiao Meili , Lei Jun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common chronic condition in women of child‐bearing age. There is currently no effective treatment, so early and long‐term management is essential. However, there are many problems in the practice of disease management in women with PCOS that make it difficult to achieve good outcomes.ObjectiveTo explore women's experience of PCOS management and identify the relevant facilitators and barriers to management.Search strategyA structured search was undertaken in five bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane) from the date of establishment of the database up to December 2022.Selection criteriaAll qualitative and mixed‐methods studies available in English describing the experience of PCOS management from the patients' perspective were included.Data collection and analysisThe Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was used to appraise study quality. The evidence was synthesized using a pragmatic meta‐aggregative approach guided by the capability, opportunity, and motivation model of behavior (COM‐B).Main resultsA total of 13 studies were included with 85 equivocal findings and 12 credible findings. The findings were meta‐aggregated into three themes: (1) capability of women with PCOS, including patients' attitudes toward disease and management, knowledge, and skills of the disease; (2) opportunities in PCOS management, including information about PCOS, diagnostic delay, disease characteristics, disease management plan, and logistical and environmental problems; and (3) motivation in PCOS management, including impact of symptoms, perceived needs, support and feedback, and unpleasant medical experience.ConclusionsThis study identifies facilitators and barriers to PCOS management from the patient perspective, which can guide the design and implementation of PCOS management programs for patients. This study also provides information for future research into how the COM‐B theory can be incorporated into specific management plans to promote patient action.
MozzieNet: A deep learning approach to efficiently detect malaria parasites in blood smear images
Authors: Asif Sohaib , Khan Saif Ur Rehman , Zheng Xiaolong , Zhao Ming 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOur study presents MozzieNet, a customized CNN model aimed at improving the identification of malaria parasites in blood smear microscopic images. By optimizing hyperparameters and incorporating techniques like data augmentation, batch normalization, and dropout, our model enhances robustness and generalization, addressing overfitting issues. Using the open‐source NIH malaria dataset with 27,558 images, we achieve a classification accuracy of 96.73%, recall rate of 97.90%, precision of 95.67%, area under the curve (AUC) of 99.35%, and F1 score of 96.77%. We performed feature maps and Grad‐CAM analysis on our proposed MozzieNet model to visualize and examine the targeted regions that are crucial for accurate predictions. Statistical analysis shows that the proposed architecture achieves promising performance and is superior to pre‐trained models and existing methods for malaria detection. MozzieNet is designed for cloud and low‐end smartphones, enabling malaria diagnosis in remote areas, thereby assisting physicians in informed malaria diagnosis and decision‐making.
Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides Exacerbate Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossification Development
Authors: Salga Marjorie , Samuel Selwin G , Tseng Hsu-Wen , Gatin Laure , Girard Dorothée , Rival Bastien , Barbier Valérie , Bisht Kavita , Shatunova Svetlana , Debaud Charlotte , Winkler Ingrid G , Paquereau Julie , Dinh Aurélien , Genêt Guillaume , Kerever Sébastien , Abback Paer-Sélim , Banzet Sébastien , Genêt François , Lévesque Jean-Pierre , Alexander Kylie A 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Neurogenic heterotopic ossifications (NHO) are heterotopic bones that develop in periarticular muscles after severe central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Several retrospective studies have shown that NHO prevalence is higher in patients who suffer concomitant infections. However, it is unclear whether these infections directly contribute to NHO development or reflect the immunodepression observed in patients with CNS injury. Using our mouse model of NHO induced by spinal cord injury (SCI) between vertebrae T11 to T13, we demonstrate that lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria exacerbate NHO development in a toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)-dependent manner, signaling through the TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF/TICAM1) adaptor rather than the myeloid differentiation primary response-88 (MYD88) adaptor. We find that T11 to T13 SCI did not significantly alter intestinal integrity nor cause intestinal bacteria translocation or endotoxemia, suggesting that NHO development is not driven by endotoxins from the gut in this model of SCI-induced NHO. Relevant to the human pathology, LPS increased expression of osteoblast markers in cultures of human fibro-adipogenic progenitors isolated from muscles surrounding NHO biopsies. In a case–control retrospective study in patients with traumatic brain injuries, infections with gram-negative Pseudomonas species were significantly associated with NHO development. Together these data suggest a functional association between gram-negative bacterial infections and NHO development and highlights infection management as a key consideration to avoid NHO development in patients. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Quantitative and large‐format histochemistry to characterize peripheral artery compositional gradients
Authors: Nguyen V. A. , Brooks‐Richards T. L. , Ren J. , Woodruff M. A. , Allenby M. C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe femoropopliteal artery (FPA) is a long, flexible vessel that travels down the anteromedial compartment of the thigh as the femoral artery and then behind the kneecap as the popliteal artery. This artery undergoes various degrees of flexion, extension, and torsion during normal walking movements. The FPA is also the most susceptible peripheral artery to atherosclerosis and is where peripheral artery disease manifests in 80% of cases. The connection between peripheral artery location, its mechanical flexion, and its physiological or pathological biochemistry has been investigated for decades; however, histochemical methods remain poorly leveraged in their ability to spatially correlate normal or abnormal extracellular matrix and cells with regions of mechanical flexion. This study generates new histological image processing pipelines to quantitate tissue composition across high‐resolution FPA regions‐of‐interest or low‐resolution whole‐section cross‐sections in relation to their anatomical locations and flexions during normal movement. Comparing healthy ovine femoral, popliteal, and cranial‐tibial artery sections as a pilot, substantial arterial contortion was observed in the distal popliteal and cranial tibial regions of the FPA which correlated with increased vascular smooth muscle cells and decreased elastin content. These methods aim to aid in the quantitative characterization of the spatial distribution of extracellular matrix and cells in large heterogeneous tissue sections such as the FPA.Research Highlights
Large‐format histology preserves artery architecture.
Elastin and smooth muscle content is correlated with distance from heart and contortion during flexion.
Cell and protein analyses are sensitive to sectioning plane and image magnification.
In vitro studies for antiparasitic activities of Punica granatum extract
Authors: Al‐Shaebi Esam M. , Al‐Quraishy Saleh , Maodaa Saleh N. , Abdel‐Gaber Rewaida 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBecause of the drug resistance, medicinal plants are used more frequently than coccidiostats to treat and control coccidiosis. Punica granatum is a powerful antioxidant with a variety of medicinal uses. This study used an in vitro experiment to investigate how different P. granatum from Yemen (Y) and Egypt (E) sources affected oocyst sporulation and served as an anthelminthic effector. In contrast to PGE and mebendazole, PGY (200 mg/mL) has the shortest time to paralyze and death the earthworm Eisenia fetida in this investigation. In addition, the treated worm groups' cuticle thickness and shrinkage in comparison to the control group were assessed and contrasted. Eimeria papillata is used as a model protozoan parasite in anticoccidial assays. This study shows that P. granatum affects oocysts sporulation in a dose‐dependent manner, with maximal percentages of 100% (PGY) and 48.60% (PGE) at 96 h for P. granatum concentrations of 200 mg/mL. Inhibition (%) was compared to various detergents, as well as positive and negative controls. According to our research, the P. granatum extract had powerful anthelmintic and anticoccidial properties, with the potency changing according to the environmental conditions of each fruit source.Research Highlights
Habitat of the plant is useful for production and accumulation of some secondary metabolites in plants which be effective for the therapeutic uses.
Different parameters in the environmental ecosystem affecting variation in chemical compositions and biological activity of P. granatum.
Clathrin light chain A‐enriched small extracellular vesicles remodel microvascular niche to induce hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Xu Yi , Yao Yue , Yu Liang , Zhang Xiaoxin , Mao Xiaowen , Tey Sze Keong , Wong Samuel Wan Ki , Yeung Cherlie Lot Sum , Ng Tung Him , Wong Melody YM , Che Chi‐Ming , Lee Terence Kin Wah , Gao Yi , Cui Yunfu , Yam Judy Wai Ping 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSmall extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play a key role in exchanging cargoes between cells in tumour microenvironment. This study aimed to elucidate the functions and mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) derived sEV‐clathrin light chain A (CLTA) in remodelling microvascular niche. CLTA level in the circulating sEVs of HCC patients was analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The functions of sEV‐CLTA in affecting HCC cancerous properties were examined by multiple functional assays. Mass spectrometry was used to identify downstream effectors of sEV‐CLTA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Tube formation, sprouting, trans‐endothelial invasion and vascular leakiness assays were performed to determine the functions of sEV‐CLTA and its effector, basigin (BSG) in HUVECs. BSG inhibitor, SP‐8356, was tested in a mouse model of patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs). Circulating sEVs of HCC patients had markedly enhanced CLTA levels than control individuals and were reduced in patients after surgery. HCC derived sEV‐CLTA enhanced HCC cancerous properties, disrupted endothelial integrity and induced angiogenesis. Mechanistically, CLTA remodels microvascular niche by stabilizing and upregulating BSG. Last, SP‐8356 alone or in combination with sorafenib attenuated PDXs growth. The study reveals the role of HCC derived sEV‐CLTA in microvascular niche formation. Inhibition of CLTA and its mediated pathway may illuminate a new therapeutic strategy for HCC patients.
Does a proactive procedure lead to a higher uptake of predictive testing in families with a pathogenic BRCA1/BRCA2 variant? A family cancer clinic evaluation
Authors: Menko Fred H. , van der Velden Sophie L. , Griffioen Diana N. , Ait Moha Daoud , Jeanson Kiki N. , Hogervorst Frans B. L. , Giesbertz Noor A. A. , Bleiker Eveline M. A. , van der Kolk Lizet E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe uptake of genetic counseling and predictive genetic testing by family members at risk for hereditary tumor syndromes is generally below 50%. To address this issue, a new guideline was introduced in the Netherlands in 2019 that aims to improve the sharing of information within families. In addition to cascade screening supported by follow‐up telephone calls with the proband, municipal records were accessed to allow the geneticist to contact at‐risk family members directly. We evaluated this procedure in 32 families with a (likely) pathogenic germline BRCA1/BRCA2 variant diagnosed at our hospital between May 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021, comparing current uptake with outcomes achieved for 33 families diagnosed in 2014. Fifteen months after diagnostic testing of the proband, the uptake was 43% (120/277), comparable to the 44% (87/200) registered previously. Among a subgroup of women at 50% risk aged 25–75 years, 71% (47/66) were tested, comparable to an earlier uptake of 69% (59/86). Of the 34 at‐risk relatives we contacted directly, 17 (50%) underwent predictive testing. In conclusion, we found no evidence that the new procedure leads to a substantially increased uptake. Future research should be primarily aimed at understanding intrafamilial communication barriers.
Synthesis, antimicrobial activity, and in silico studies of fluoroquinolones bearing 1,3,4‐oxadiazolyl‐triazole derivatives
Authors: Venkateswara Rao Gollapalli , Allaka Tejeswara Rao , Gandla Mahesh Kumar , Veera Venkata Nanda Pilli Kishore , Pindi Santhosh Reddy , Vaddi Pandu Ranga Rao , Bollikolla Hari Babu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCompounds containing fluoroquinolone (FQ) moiety occupy privileged chemical space for discovering novel bioactive substances. In continuation of our research work, a new series of FQs linked to triazolyl–thiadiazine hybrids (3a–f) and triazolyl–oxadiazoles (5a–f) were developed as a new antimicrobial agent targeting DNA gyrase of Staphylococcus aureus. All the novel compounds have been characterized with IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectral analysis and elemental analysis. All the synthesized derivatives were investigated for their antibacterial effect against various bacterial and fungal strains. Against Gram‐positive bacteria S. aureus, compounds 3e, 5a, and 5d showed the highest antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values 5.0 ± 0.04, 8.6 ± 0.03, and 6.1 ± 0.02 μg/mL, respectively. FQ derivatives 3a, 5c had the most potent antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia bacteria with MICs 6.4 ± 0.01, 4.1 ± 0.01 μg/mL and compounds 3e, 5d are active against Gram‐negative bacteria Bacillus cereus with MICs 8.3 ± 0.02, 10.0 ± 0.02 μg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, the molecules 3e were slightly more selective towards antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum (MIC 4.2 ± 0.01 μg/mL), compared to fluconazole (MIC 3.5 ± 0.01 μg/mL). In addition, a fascinating molecular modeling investigation showed that our FQs 3, 5 demonstrated good binding inhibition of S. aureus complex in DNS gyrase (2XCT) towards advancing an efficient medication against antibacterial disease. The prepared ligand 3c forms three hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues LysB:1043 (N23…NZ), ArgB:1092 (O20…NH), GlyB:1082 (O…N) with bond lengths 3.13, 2.15, 2.76 A°, respectively.
Impact of family networks on uptake of health interventions: evidence from a community‐randomized control trial aimed at increasing HIV testing in South Africa
Authors: Makofane Keletso , Kim Hae‐Young , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric , Bassett Mary T. , Berkman Lisa , Adeagbo Oluwafemi , McGrath Nuala , Seeley Janet , Shahmanesh Maryam , Yapa H. Manisha , Herbst Kobus , Tanser Frank , Bärnighausen Till 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionWhile it is widely acknowledged that family relationships can influence health outcomes, their impact on the uptake of individual health interventions is unclear. In this study, we quantified how the efficacy of a randomized health intervention is shaped by its pattern of distribution in the family network.MethodsThe “Home‐Based Intervention to Test and Start” (HITS) was a 2×2 factorial community‐randomized controlled trial in Umkhanyakude, KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa, embedded in the Africa Health Research Institute's population‐based demographic and HIV surveillance platform (ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03757104).The study investigated the impact of two interventions: a financial micro‐incentive and a male‐targeted HIV‐specific decision support programme. The surveillance area was divided into 45 community clusters. Individuals aged ≥15 years in 16 randomly selected communities were offered a micro‐incentive (R50 [$3] food voucher) for rapid HIV testing (intervention arm). Those living in the remaining 29 communities were offered testing only (control arm). Study data were collected between February and November 2018.Using routinely collected data on parents, conjugal partners, and co‐residents, a socio‐centric family network was constructed among HITS‐eligible individuals. Nodes in this network represent individuals and ties represent family relationships. We estimated the effect of offering the incentive to people with and without family members who also received the offer on the uptake of HIV testing. We fitted a linear probability model with robust standard errors, accounting for clustering at the community level.ResultsOverall, 15,675 people participated in the HITS trial. Among those with no family members who received the offer, the incentive's efficacy was a 6.5 percentage point increase (95% CI: 5.3−7.7). The efficacy was higher among those with at least one family member who received the offer (21.1 percentage point increase (95% CI: 19.9−22.3). The difference in efficacy was statistically significant (21.1–6.5 = 14.6%; 95% CI: 9.3−19.9).ConclusionsMicro‐incentives appear to have synergistic effects when distributed within family networks. These effects support family network‐based approaches for the design of health interventions.
Collaborative evaluation study on 18 candidate diseases for newborn screening in 1.77 million samples
Authors: Maier Esther M. , Mütze Ulrike , Janzen Nils , Steuerwald Ulrike , Nennstiel Uta , Odenwald Birgit , Schuhmann Elfriede , Lotz‐Havla Amelie S. , Weiss Katharina J. , Hammersen Johanna , Weigel Corina , Thimm Eva , Grünert Sarah C. , Hennermann Julia B. , Freisinger Peter , Krämer Johannes , Das Anibh M. , Illsinger Sabine , Gramer Gwendolyn , Fang‐Hoffmann Junmin , Garbade Sven F. , Okun Jürgen G. , Hoffmann Georg F. , Kölker Stefan , Röschinger Wulf 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAnalytical and therapeutic innovations led to a continuous but variable extension of newborn screening (NBS) programmes worldwide. Every extension requires a careful evaluation of feasibility, diagnostic (process) quality and possible health benefits to balance benefits and limitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of 18 candidate diseases for inclusion in NBS programmes. Utilising tandem mass spectrometry as well as establishing specific diagnostic pathways with second‐tier analyses, three German NBS centres designed and conducted an evaluation study for 18 candidate diseases, all of them inherited metabolic diseases. In total, 1 777 264 NBS samples were analysed. Overall, 441 positive NBS results were reported resulting in 68 confirmed diagnoses, 373 false‐positive cases and an estimated cumulative prevalence of approximately 1 in 26 000 newborns. The positive predictive value ranged from 0.07 (carnitine transporter defect) to 0.67 (HMG‐CoA lyase deficiency). Three individuals were missed and 14 individuals (21%) developed symptoms before the positive NBS results were reported. The majority of tested candidate diseases were found to be suitable for inclusion in NBS programmes, while multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, isolated methylmalonic acidurias, propionic acidemia and malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase deficiency showed some and carnitine transporter defect significant limitations. Evaluation studies are an important tool to assess the potential benefits and limitations of expanding NBS programmes to new diseases.