bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intestinal endothelial cells increase HIV infection and latency in resting and activated CD4 + T cells, particularly affecting CCR6 + CD4 + T cells
Authors: Eddy Jessica , Pham Fisher , Chee Rachel , Park Esther , Dapprich Nathan , DeRuiter Stacy L. , Shen Anding 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
With suppressive antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection is well-managed in most patients. However, eradication and cure are still beyond reach due to latent viral reservoirs in CD4 + T cells, particularly in lymphoid tissue environments including the gut associated lymphatic tissues. In HIV patients, there is extensive depletion of T helper cells, particularly T helper 17 cells from the intestinal mucosal area, and the gut is one of the largest viral reservoir sites. Endothelial cells line lymphatic and blood vessels and were found to promote HIV infection and latency in previous studies. In this study, we examined endothelial cells specific to the gut mucosal area—intestinal endothelial cells—for their impact on HIV infection and latency in T helper cells.

Results
We found that intestinal endothelial cells dramatically increased productive and latent HIV infection in resting CD4 + T helper cells. In activated CD4 + T cells, endothelial cells enabled the formation of latent infection in addition to the increase of productive infection. Endothelial-cell-mediated HIV infection was more prominent in memory T cells than naïve T cells, and it involved the cytokine IL-6 but did not involve the co-stimulatory molecule CD2. The CCR6 + T helper 17 subpopulation was particularly susceptible to such endothelial-cell-promoted infection.

Conclusion
Endothelial cells, which are widely present in lymphoid tissues including the intestinal mucosal area and interact regularly with T cells physiologically, significantly increase HIV infection and latent reservoir formation in CD4 + T cells, particularly in CCR6 + T helper 17 cells. Our study highlighted the importance of endothelial cells and the lymphoid tissue environment in HIV pathology and persistence.
Oral nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to treat chronic insomnia: protocol for the multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Gao Xiangyang , Li Junhua , Xu Sanping , Li Xueying , Wang Xicheng , Li Yongli , Huang Yan , Liu Shaohui , Zeng Qiang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
The treatment of insomnia, which is the most common sleep disorder, includes drug and behavioral treatment, but each treatment measure has its limitations. So new treatment method needs to be taken to improve the treatment effect. MN supplementation is a potential promising new method for the treatment of insomnia, resulting in a rising need for methodological research towards verifying its efficacy.

Methods/design
We describe a proposal for a multicenter, patient-assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms. A total of 400 chronic insomnia patients will be allocated 1:1 to the intervention group (treatment with oral NMN 320 mg/day) or control group (treatment with oral placebo). All subjects are clinical chronic insomnia patients who meet all inclusion criteria. All subjects are treated by taking NMN or placebo.
The primary outcome is the score on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Secondary outcomes are the score on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Epworth Sleeping Scale (ESS), the total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep latency, and REM sleep latency to assess sleep quality changes.
Subjects are assessed at two time points: baseline and follow-up. The duration of the clinical trial is 60 days.

Discussion
This study will provide more evidence on the effects of NMN on improving sleep quality among patients with chronic insomnia. If proven effective, NMN supplement can be used as a new treatment for chronic insomnia in the future.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (chictr.org.cn) ChiCTR2200058001. Registered on 26 March 2022.
Gender-specific impacts of thigh skinfold thickness and grip strength for predicting osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lu Chieh-Hua , Lee Chien-Hsing , Wu Li-Wei , Liao Chun-Cheng , Su Sheng-Chiang , Liu Jhih-Syuan , Li Peng-Fei , Huang Chia-Luen , Ho Li-Ju , Lin Chien-Ming , Lin Ming-Hsun , Chang Chun-Yung , Liu Yi-Chen , Lin Chih-Ping , Cheng An-Che , Kuo Feng-Chih 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Diabetes with co-existing bone fragility or osteoporosis is common in elderly patients, whereas is frequently underestimated.

Methods
We conducted dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with 7-site skinfold (SF) and dominant hand grip strength measurements among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) to assess their gender-specific associations. A total of 103 patients with T2DM (60 females and 43 males), aged between 50 and 80 years (median 68.0 years) were enrolled and 45 non-DM females were also included to compare with T2DM females.

Results
Our results revealed osteoporosis was negatively correlated with grip strength in both genders, negatively correlated with lean mass solely in males and negatively correlated with fat mass (particular the gynoid fat mass and thigh SF thickness) in females. Via performing multivariable stepwise logistic regression, we identified grip strength in both genders and thigh SF thickness in females as predictors for osteoporosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis further disclosed 20.5 mm female thigh skinfold thickness, 18.1 kg female grip strength and 29.0 kg male grip strength as reasonable cutoff levels for predicting osteoporosis in the Taiwanese patients with T2DM.

Conclusions
Patients with T2DM presented gender-specific associations between osteoporosis, body composition and grip strength. Grip strength and thigh SF thickness might serve as predictors for detection of osteoporosis in patients with T2DM.
Breast cancer with scalp metastases: a case report
Authors: Abdulraheem Ahmad M. , Naji Duha , Al Heyasat Ammar N. , Alhasan Mohammad , Almasri Nidal M. , Odeh Raghad 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
While breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, cutaneous metastases are rare in breast cancer. Additionally, scalp involvement in breast cancer metastasis is extremely rare. That being said, scalp lesions should always be thoroughly investigated to distinguish metastatic lesions from other neoplasms.

Case presentation
A 47-year-old female Middle-Eastern patient presented with metastatic breast cancer in the lungs, bone, liver, and brain with no signs of multiple organ failure, in addition to cutaneous metastases, including the scalp. Between 2017 and 2022, she was managed through modified radical mastectomy, radiotherapy, and several lines of chemotherapy. She presented in September of 2022 with enlarging scalp nodules, which started developing 2 months prior to her presentation. Physical examination revealed firm, non-tender, and immobile skin lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the head showed soft tissue nodules in different sequences. A punch biopsy was taken from the largest scalp lesion and showed metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma. A panel of immunohistochemistry stains was applied, because a single specific marker for differentiating primary cutaneous adnexal tumors or other malignant neoplasms from breast cancer has not yet been identified. The panel showed positive estrogen receptor 95%, progesterone receptor 5%, negative human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, positive GATA binding protein 3, positive cytokeratin-7, negative P63, and negative KIT (CD117).

Conclusion
Breast cancer metastases to the scalp are extremely uncommon. When a scalp metastasis is present, it might be the only symptomatic sign of disease progression or widespread metastatic lesions. However, such lesions warrant a comprehensive radiologic and pathologic workup to rule out other possibilities of skin pathologies, such as sebaceous skin adenocarcinoma as it effects the management plan.
Comparison of the different animal modeling and therapy methods of premature ovarian failure in animal model
Authors: Dai Fangfang , Wang Ruiqi , Deng Zhimin , Yang Dongyong , Wang Linlin , Wu Mali , Hu Wei , Cheng Yanxiang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIncidence of premature ovarian failure (POF) is higher with the increase of the pace of life. The etiology of POF is very complex, which is closely related to genes, immune diseases, drugs, surgery, and psychological factors. Ideal animal models and evaluation indexes are essential for drug development and mechanism research. In our review, we firstly summarize the modeling methods of different POF animal models and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Recently, stem cells are widely studied for tumor treatment and tissue repair with low immunogenicity, high homing ability, high ability to divide and self-renew. Hence, we secondly reviewed recently published data on transplantation of stem cells in the POF animal model and analyzed the possible mechanism of their function. With the further insights of immunological and gene therapy, the combination of stem cells with other therapies should be actively explored to promote the treatment of POF in the future. Our article may provide guidance and insight for POF animal model selection and new drug development.
Graphical Abstract
miR-210-3p enriched extracellular vesicles from hypoxic neuroblastoma cells stimulate migration and invasion of target cells
Authors: Fusco Pina , Fietta Anna , Esposito Maria Rosaria , Zanella Luca , Micheli Sara , Bastianello Angelica , Bova Lorenzo , Borile Giulia , Germano Giuseppe , Cimetta Elisa 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Tumor hypoxia stimulates release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that facilitate short- and long-range intercellular communication and metastatization. Albeit hypoxia and EVs release are known features of Neuroblastoma (NB), a metastasis-prone childhood malignancy of the sympathetic nervous system, whether hypoxic EVs can facilitate NB dissemination is unclear.

Methods
Here we isolated and characterized EVs from normoxic and hypoxic NB cell culture supernatants and performed microRNA (miRNA) cargo analysis to identify key mediators of EVs biological effects. We then validated if EVs promote pro-metastatic features both in vitro and in an in vivo zebrafish model.

Results
EVs from NB cells cultured at different oxygen tensions did not differ for type and abundance of surface markers nor for biophysical properties. However, EVs derived from hypoxic NB cells (hEVs) were more potent than their normoxic counterpart in inducing NB cells migration and colony formation. miR-210-3p was the most abundant miRNA in the cargo of hEVs; mechanistically, overexpression of miR-210-3p in normoxic EVs conferred them pro-metastatic features, whereas miR-210-3p silencing suppressed the metastatic ability of hypoxic EVs both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion
Our data identify a role for hypoxic EVs and their miR-210-3p cargo enrichment in the cellular and microenvironmental changes favoring NB dissemination.
An AHP enabled port selection multi-source decision support system and validation: insights from the ENIRISST project
Authors: Georgoulas Dimitrios , Koliousis Ioannis , Papadimitriou Stratos 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAnalytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a robust procedure for ranking options and supporting multi-criteria decision making that determine the port that a shipping operator will select, while designing the most cost-effective route. An important decision that may turn out to be decisive for a company’s survival. We developed an AHP based decision support system, as part of a wider Research and data Infrastructure system, that enables practitioners’ decision making based on their subjective experience and within realistic time constraints. We test the approach using two regional ports and the throughput results confirmed the initial expectations.
Psychometric validation of the collective asset Utu: associations with coping strategies and resilience during adolescence
Authors: Cherewick Megan , Dahl Ronald E. , Rubin Daphna , Leiferman Jenn A. , Njau Prosper F. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Utu is a Kiswahili term with a long history of cultural significance in Tanzania. It conveys a value system of shared, collective humanity. While variants of Utu have been studied in other contexts, a measure of Utu that captures this important collective asset has not been developed in Tanzania. The aims of this study were to (1) examine dimensional constructs that represent Utu, (2) validate a measurement scale of Utu for use with adolescents, (3) examine differences between orphan and non-orphan adolescents in self-reported Utu and, (4) examine structural paths between adverse life experiences, coping strategies, Utu, and resilience.

Methods
This study collected survey data from adolescents from three districts in peri-urban Tanzania in two samples: 189 orphan adolescents ages 10–17 in May 2020 and 333 non-orphan adolescents ages 10–14 in August 2020. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the hypothesized factor structure of the developed Utu measure. Structural equation models were used to examine path associations with adverse life experiences, coping and resilience.

Results
The five dimensional constructs comprising the Utu measure included Resource Sharing, Group Solidarity, Respect and Dignity, Collectivity, and Compassion. Confirmatory factor analysis of the Utu measure demonstrated excellent fit (CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.97; SRMR = 0.024; RMSEA = 0.046) and internal consistency (α = 0.94) among adolescents in this study. Positive, significant associations were found between Utu and coping (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and Utu and intra/interpersonal and collective resilience (β = 0.13, p < 0.014). Utu was not significantly associated with adverse life experiences, age or gender.

Conclusions
A five-dimensional measurement scale for Utu was validated in a sample of orphan and non-orphan adolescents in Tanzania. Utu is a collective asset associated with higher levels of reported resilience in both orphan and non-orphan adolescent populations in Tanzania. Promoting Utu may be an effective universal public health prevention approach. Implications for adolescent programming are discussed.
“Medical student syndrome”: a real disease or just a myth?—a cross-sectional study at Menoufia University, Egypt
Authors: Sherif Huda A. , Tawfeeq Khaled , Mohamed Zahraa , Abdelhakeem Lobna , Tahoon Sara H. , Mosa Mahasen , Samy Karima , Hamdy Karema , Ellakwa Lamiaa , Elnoamany Salma 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
A widely held belief is that “Medical student syndrome” is frequently experienced by young medical students, that is, they experience the symptoms of the diseases they are studying or fear of having such illness. A hypothesis is that because medical students constantly learn about life-threatening conditions and diseases, they experience persistent fear and stress regarding having a severe medical condition, an anxiety-related illness called nosophobia.

Results
Although medical students scored an average of 14.14 on a scale measuring potential nosophobia a, the difference between their scores and those of non-medical students, who scored an average of 0.11, is significantly higher (p 0.001). According to the presented analysis, non-medical and medical students exhibit distinct levels of nosophobia. The analysis of responses to hypochondriacal behaviors revealed that students from non-medical faculties scored an average of 1.43 points. By contrast, the average score for medical students was 7.87, which is significantly higher than that of the non-medical students (p 0.001).

Conclusions
Medical students are at higher risk for health anxiety and hypochondrial attitudes than non-medical students are.
Effect of zones' dimensions and geometry on seepage through zoned earth dams
Authors: Mostafa Mahmoud M. , Zhenzhong Shen 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe seepage study through earth dams is very essential for the design and construction processes of such dams to ensure the needed safety and efficient performance. The present study focuses on the seepage flow through zoned embankment dams by introducing a numerical analysis using the Seep/w numerical model. The main objective of the study is to investigate the different effects of the dam zones' thickness and side slopes on seepage through such dams to achieve the most suitable dimensions and geometry of the different zones. First, the Seep/w is used to analyze the problem of seepage through earth dams with an internal core. The present obtained results and the results of other previous experimental and analytical studies are almost close to each other. The present work proves that the best relative thickness of the inner, transition, and outer zones (t1:t2:t3) according to the minimum seepage and cost of the used materials is 2:1.5:1.5 respectively. At the same time, it is proven that the reasonable optimum side slopes (H:V) of the inner, transition, and outer zones are 1:1.75, 1.25:1, and 3.75:1 respectively.
Long-Term Outcomes of TROG 13.01 SAFRON II Randomized Trial of Single- Versus Multifraction Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy for Pulmonary Oligometastases
Authors: Siva Shankar , Sakyanun Pitchaya , Mai Tao , Wong Wenchang , Lim Adeline , Ludbrook Joanna , Bettington Catherine , Rezo Angela , Pryor David , Hardcastle Nicholas , Kron Tomas , Higgs Braden , Le Hien , Skala Marketa , Gill Suki , Eade Thomas , Awad Raef , Sasso Giuseppe , Vinod Shalini , Montgomery Rebecca , Ball David , Bressel Mathias 
Published: May 2023

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported. In a randomized phase II clinical trial, the Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group compared single- versus multifraction stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) in 90 patients with 133 oligometastases to the lung. The study found no differences in safety, efficacy, systemic immunogenicity, or survival between arms, with single-fraction SABR picked as the winner on the basis of cost-effectiveness. In this article, we report the final updated survival outcome analysis. The protocol mandated no concurrent or post-therapy systemic therapy until progression. Modified disease-free survival (mDFS) was defined as any progression not addressable by local therapy, or death. At a median follow-up of 5.4 years, the 3- and 5-year estimates for overall survival (OS) were 70% (95% CI, 59 to 78) and 51% (95% CI, 39 to 61). There were no significant differences between the multi- and single-fraction arms for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.1 [95% CI, 0.6 to 2.0]; P = .81). The 3- and 5-year estimates for disease-free survival were 24% (95% CI, 16 to 33) and 20% (95% CI, 13 to 29), with no differences between arms (HR, 1.0 [95% CI, 0.6 to 1.6]; P = .92). The 3- and 5-year estimates for mDFS were 39% (95% CI, 29 to 49) and 34% (95% CI, 24 to 44), with no differences between arms (HR, 1.0 [95% CI, 0.6 to 1.8]; P = .90). In this patient population, where patients receive SABR in lieu of systemic therapy, one-in-three patients are alive without disease in the long term. There were no differences in outcomes by fractionation schedule.
Selective Tibial Neurotomy Outcomes for Spastic Equinovarus Foot: Patient Expectations and Functional Assessment
Authors: LaMarca Amber L. , Krenn Matthias J. , Kelso-Trass Molly A. , MacDonald Kathryn C. , Demeo Cristina C. , Bazarek Stanley F. , Brown Justin M. 
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND:
Spastic equinovarus foot (SEF) is a common dysfunctional foot posture after stroke that impairs balance and mobility. Selective tibial neurotomy (STN) is a simple but underutilized surgical option that can effectively address critical aspects of SEF and thereby provide enduring quality of life gains. There are few studies that examine both functional outcomes and patient satisfaction with this treatment option.

OBJECTIVE:
To elucidate the patient goals that motivated their decision to undergo the procedure and compare subjective and objective changes in balance and functional mobility as a consequence of surgery.

METHODS:
Thirteen patients with problematic SEF who had previously failed conservative measures were treated with STN. Preoperative and postoperative (on average 6 months) assessments evaluated gait quality and functional mobility. In addition, a custom survey was conducted to investigate patient perspectives on STN intervention.

RESULTS:
The survey showed that participants who opted for STN were dissatisfied with their previous spasticity management. The most common preoperative expectation for STN treatment was to improve walking, followed by improving balance, brace comfort, pain, and tone. Postoperatively, participants rated the improvement in their expectations and were, on average, 71 on a 100-point scale, indicating high satisfaction. The gait quality, assessed with the Gait Intervention and Assessment Tool, improved significantly between preoperative and postoperative assessment (M = −4.1, P = .01) with a higher average difference in stance of −3.3 than in swing −0.5. Improvement in both gait endurance (M = 36 m, P = .01) and self-selected gait speed (M = .12 m/s, P = .03) was statistically significant. Finally, static balance (M = 5.0, P = .03) and dynamic balance (M = 3.5, P = .02) were also significantly improved.

CONCLUSION:
STN improved gait quality and functional mobility and was associated with high satisfaction in patients with SEF.
Effect of in-office bleaching agent on the surface roughness and microhardness of nanofilled and nanohybrid composite resins
Authors: Chakraborty Anindita , Purayil Tina , Ginjupalli Kishore , Pentapati Kalyana-Chakravarthy , Shenoy Neetha 
Published: May 2023

Background: To compare the surface roughness and microhardness of Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one and Filtek Z350 XT after in-office bleaching with Pola office. Methods: Twenty samples each of (10 mm diameter and 2 mm height) Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one and Filtek Z350 XT were prepared. The samples were subjected to three bleaching sessions with 35% hydrogen peroxide (Pola office) with a seven-day interval between each session. Surface roughness and microhardness of the prepared samples prior to and after the bleaching regimen were measured using a profilometer and Vickers hardness tester, respectively. Results: A significant reduction (p <0.001) in the surface hardness of Filtek Z350 XT from 27.67 ± 2.10 to 17.83 ± 1.36 Vickers hardness number (VHN) was observed after the bleaching whereas no significant reduction in surface hardness was observed with Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one. The adjusted mean (estimated marginal mean) microhardness after bleaching for Ceram.x ® SphereTEC™ one (35.79 ± 1.45) was significantly higher than Filtek Z350 XT (19.54 ± 1.45) (p < 0.001). However, in-office bleaching of these materials did not significantly alter their surface roughness. Conclusions: In office-bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide can reduce the microhardness of nanofilled composite. However, the surface roughness was not influenced by the bleaching procedure in both nanohybrid and nanofilled composite resin materials.