bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CCR5 as a prognostic biomarker correlated with immune infiltrates in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by bioinformatic study
Authors: Li Chunhong , Chen Shanlin , Liu Chuanyu , Mo Chune , Gong Weiwei , Hu Jiahua , He Min , Xie Lei , Hou Xianliang , Tang Jianhong , Ou Minglin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) has recently been recognized as an underlying therapeutic target for various malignancies. However, the association of CCR5 with prognosis in the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) patients and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is unclear.

Methods
In the current experiment, methods such as the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource Analysis (TIMER), Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), UALCAN, and Kaplan-Meier plotter Analysis were used to comprehensively evaluate the expression of CCR5 in human various malignancies and the clinical prognosis in HNSC patients. Subsequently, we used the TIMER database and the TISIDB platform to investigate the correlation between CCR5 expression levels and immune cell infiltration in the HNSC tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, immunomodulatory and chemokine profiling were performed using the TISIDB platform to analyse the correlation between CCR5 expression levels and immunomodulation in HNSC patients.

Results
We found that CCR5 expression in HNSC tumor tissues was significantly upregulated than in normal tissues. In HNSC, patients with high CCR5 expression levels had worse overall survival (OS, HR = 0.59, p = 0.00015) and worse recurrence-free survival (RFS, HR = 3.27, p = 0.00098). Upregulation of CCR5 expression is closely associated with immunomodulators, chemokines, and infiltrating levels of CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and myeloid dendritic cells. Furthermore, upregulated CCR5 was significantly associated with different immune markers in the immune cell subsets of HNSC.

Conclusions
High expression of CCR5 plays an important prognostic role in HNSC patients and may serve as a prognostic biomarker correlated with immune infiltration, and further studies are still needed to investigate therapeutic targeting HNSC patients in the future.
Quality control of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA preparations using HPLC: effect of sample composition and ligand on recovery
Authors: Aalbersberg Else A. , Cao Tammie T. , Geluk-Jonker Martine M. , Hendrikx Jeroen J. M. A. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
[177Lu]Lu-PSMA is used for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. For in-house productions, quality control methods are essential for ensuring product quality, and thus patient safety. During HPLC method development for quality control of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T, we noticed an unpredictable variability in peak area and height with replicate measurements. After a run, irremovable radioactivity was measured over the whole the length of the HPLC column, with slightly higher activity at the beginning and end of the column. The uniform distribution suggests that [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T interacts with the column. As a result of the interaction, incomplete and variable recovery of injected activity was observed leading to the variability in peak area and height. Therefore the aim of this study was to (1) investigate the effect of sample composition on the interaction of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T to the HPLC column (measured as recovery, peak area, and peak height), and (2) to compare this with same concentrations of the well-known [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617.

Results
Sample composition significantly affects recovery of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T, leading to a change in peak area and height. Recovery was 24% when diluted with 0.1 mM octreotide, 38% with water, and increased to 95% when diluted with 0.7 mM unlabeled PSMA-I&T. Peak area and height decreased to 26% and 17% when diluted in octreotide and to 41% and 29% when diluted in water, compared to a dilution in PSMA-I&T. Further experiments showed that recovery (and consequently peak area and peak height) reached a plateau of > 99% at concentrations of 0.27 mM and higher. [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 also interacts with the HPLC column, leading to lower, but less variable, recovery (9%). The low recovery of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 could not be prevented with addition of unlabeled PSMA-617.

Conclusion
[177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T can undergo an irreversible binding with an HPLC column resulting in a decreased recovery. The recovery is can be highly dependent on sample composition. The addition of a surplus of unlabeled PSMA-I&T leads to an accurate analysis of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T.
Polymorphisms of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and data analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Solmaz , Mahmoudi Javad , Farajdokht Fereshteh , Asadi Milad , Pirsarabi Parya , Kazeminiaei Seyedeh Farrokh , Parvizpour Sepideh , Sadigh-Eteghad Saeed 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective
This study was conducted to accomplish a better insight into the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) at the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their possible pathogenicity.

Methods
We carried out a systemic review of accessible studies. The case–control studies were assessed by an electronic search of international and local databases to identify relevant studies on SNPs relating to nAChR genes in AD. Two reviewers evaluated the inclusion/exclusion criteria, summarized, and analyzed the extracted data. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for reporting our data. Online databases were checked for possible pathogenicity of statistically significant SNPs. Also, online databases, including NCBI, NIH, ClinVar, RegulomeDB, and Ensemble, were used to analyze and identify structure and function, DNA features, and flank sequencing in SNPs.

Results
Among all collected SNPs, rs4779978 and rs1827294 on CHRNA7, rs1044394 on CHRNA4, and rs1127314 on CHRNB2 showed statistically significant between AD cases and controls.

Conclusions
Some SNPs from the reviewed reports show evidence supporting their possible involvement in AD pathology. However, more comprehensive studies are necessary to identify the exact correlation and their role on the pathogenicity of disease.
Microplastics in Namibian river sediments – a first evaluation
Authors: Faulstich L. , Prume J. A. , Arendt R. , Reinhardt-Imjela Ch. , Chifflard P. , Schulte A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe African continent is rarely the focus of microplastics research, although the ubiquity of microplastics in the environment is undisputed and still increasing. Due to the high production and use of plastic products and the partial lack of recycling systems in many parts of the African continent, it can be assumed that microplastic particles are already present in limnic and terrestrial ecosystems. Few studies, mainly from South Africa and the Northern African region, show a contamination with microplastics, especially in marine environments. This study aims to explore the presence and composition of microplastics in fluvial sediments of the major catchments in Namibia with a regional focus on the Iishana system in Northern Namibia, as one of the most densely populated areas in the country. In March 2019 and March 2021, at the end of the rainy seasons, sediments from the Iishana system and of the largest river catchments were sampled. Extraction was performed by density separation using the Microplastic Sediment Separator (MPSS) with the separation solution sodium chloride (density of 1.20 g/cm3). The particle size was determined by filtration and fractionation, and the polymer type by measurement with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy (minimum particle size 0.3 mm). Microplastics were found in the sediments of each river system, most of the particles in the Iishana system (average of 13.2 particles/kg dry weight). The perennial, the ephemeral rivers, and the Iishana system are similar concerning polymer type and particle size. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the dominant polymer types. Most of the particles were found in the size fractions 0.3 – 0.5 mm and 0.5 – 1.0 mm. The particles were found mainly as fragments and films, the majority transparent and brown.
Longitudinal comparisons of mental health, burnout and well-being in patient-facing, non-patient-facing healthcare professionals and non-healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from the CoPE-HCP study
Authors: Kapil Vikas , Collett George , Godec Thomas , Gupta Jaya , Maniero Carmela , Ng Sher M. , McIntosh Iris , Kumar Abhishek , Nair Satheesh , Kotecha Ashish , Janmohamed Azara , Antoniou Sotiris , Khan Rehan , Khanji Mohammed Y. , Siddiqui Imrana , Gupta Ajay 
Published: September 2022

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic may disproportionately affect the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs), especially patient-facing HCPs.

Aims
To longitudinally examine mental health in HCPs versus non-HCPs, and patient-facing HCPs versus non-patient-facing HCPs.

Method
Online surveys were distributed to a cohort at three phases (baseline, July to September 2020; phase 2, 6 weeks post-baseline; phase 3, 4 months post-baseline). Each survey contained validated assessments for depression, anxiety, insomnia, burnout and well-being. For each outcome, we conducted mixed-effects logistic regression models (adjusted for a priori confounders) comparing the risk in different groups at each phase.

Results
A total of 1574 HCPs and 147 non-HCPs completed the baseline survey. Although there were generally higher rates of various probable mental health issues among HCPs versus non-HCPs at each phase, there was no significant difference, except that HCPs had 2.5-fold increased risk of burnout at phase 2 (emotional exhaustion: odds ratio 2.50, 95% CI 1.15–5.46, P = 0.021), which increased at phase 3 (emotional exhaustion: odds ratio 3.32, 95% CI 1.40–7.87, P = 0.006; depersonalisation: odds ratio 3.29, 95% CI 1.12–9.71, P = 0.031). At baseline, patient-facing HCPs (versus non-patient-facing HCPs) had a five-fold increased risk of depersonalisation (odds ratio 5.02, 95% CI 1.65–15.26, P = 0.004), with no significant difference in the risk for other outcomes. The difference in depersonalisation reduced over time, but patient-facing HCPs still had a 2.7-fold increased risk of emotional exhaustion (odds ratio 2.74, 95% CI 1.28–5.85, P = 0.009) by phase 3.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the mental health and well-being of both HCPs and non-HCPs, but there is disproportionately higher burnout among HCPs, particularly patient-facing HCPs.
Defining the unknowns for cell therapies in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lane Emma L. , Lelos Mariah J. 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT
First-in-human clinical trials have commenced to test the safety and efficacy of cell therapies for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Proof of concept that this neural repair strategy is efficacious is based on decades of preclinical studies and clinical trials using primary foetal cells, as well as a significant literature exploring more novel stem cell-derived products. Although several measures of efficacy have been explored, including the successful in vitro differentiation of stem cells to dopamine neurons and consistent alleviation of motor dysfunction in rodent models, many unknowns still remain regarding the long-term clinical implications of this treatment strategy. Here, we consider some of these outstanding questions, including our understanding of the interaction between anti-Parkinsonian medication and the neural transplant, the impact of the cell therapy on cognitive or neuropsychiatric symptoms of PD, the role of neuroinflammation in the therapeutic process and the development of graft-induced dyskinesias. We identify questions that are currently pertinent to the field that require further exploration, and pave the way for a more holistic understanding of this neural repair strategy for treatment of PD.
Creating connections: developing an online space for cross-regional mentorship and network building in the dementia research field
Authors: Fullerton Josie , Bettencourt Conceicao , Daniels Michael , Mclean Fiona , Simpson Susan , Smith Adam , Woodling Nathan , Kerr Fiona 
Published: September 2022

Background Effective development and retention of talented early-career researchers (ECRs) is essential to the continued success of biomedical science research fields. To this end, formal mentorship programmes (where researchers are paired with one or more mentors beyond their direct manager) have proven to be successful in providing support and expanding career development opportunities. However, many programmes are limited to pools of mentors and mentees within one institute or geographical area, highlighting that cross-regional connections may be a missed opportunity in many mentorship schemes. Methods Here, we aimed to address this limitation through our pilot cross-regional mentorship scheme, creating reciprocal mentor-mentee pairings between two pre-established networks of Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) Network-associated researchers. We carefully created 21 mentor-mentee pairings between the Scotland and University College London (UCL) networks in 2021, with surveys conducted to assess mentor/mentee satisfaction with the programme. Results Participants reported very high satisfaction with the nature of the pairings and the mentors’ contribution to the career development of mentees; a majority also reported that the mentorship scheme increased their connections outside of their home network. Our assessment of this pilot programme is that it supports the utility of cross-regional mentorship schemes for ECR development. At the same time, we highlight the limitations of our programme and recommend areas for improvement in future programmes, including greater consideration of support for minoritized groups and the need for additional training for mentors. Conclusions In conclusion, our pilot scheme generated successful and novel mentor-mentee pairings across pre-existing networks; both of which reported high satisfaction with pairings, ECR career and personal development, and the formation of new cross-network connections. This pilot may serve as a model for other networks of biomedical researchers, where existing networks within medical research charities can act as a scaffold to build new cross-regional career development opportunities for researchers.
Monitor to innovate with feedback loops: process evaluation protocol for an anemia prevention intervention
Authors: Pant Ichhya , Patro Lipika , Sedlander Erica , Chandrana Shikha , Rimal Rajiv 
Published: September 2022

Background:Digital process monitoring and evaluation tools designed to capture near-to-real-time intervention data paired with feedback loops have the potential to innovate intervention delivery.Objective:To describe how a multilevel social norms field trial (RANI) is using feedback loops to enhance intervention delivery.Methods:We use a mixed-methods process evaluation design to monitor the Reduction of Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) project; a three-year randomized control trial which aims to lower rates of anemia among women in Odisha, India. Surveys and structured observation monitor fidelity to implementation and acceptability of implementation activities among study participants. Quantitative data evaluates implementation dose, coverage, exposure, and reach of intervention activities, and qualitative data will delve more deeply into reasons for high or low functioning. Iron folic acid supplement supply and demand are also monitored for stock-outs. Data collected from 130 intervention villages is processed, visualized, and triangulated in near to real-time via Real-time Monitoring for Knowledge Generation (RPM4K), a locally developed software application. Data visualization products facilitate the examination of monitoring data to mitigate bottlenecks and identify and implement tweaks to our intervention delivery strategy on an ongoing basis.Discussion:Feedback loops facilitate timely course corrections. Feedback loops can also engender a shared understanding of ground realities for a geographically dispersed and culturally diverse team. Leveraging feedback loops, we identify opportunities to provide on-going supportive supervision for our community facilitators promoting joint problem-solving, and communication. Monthly media and hemoglobin level demonstration strategies are informed by participant engagement and acceptability. Stock-outs of iron folic acid tablets activate contingency plans to mobilize local stakeholders and advocate for timely resolutions. Unintended effects are monitored based on ongoing feedback from community facilitators.Conclusions:Documenting our processes can inform the future implementation or scale up of similar projects embracing feedback loops to iterate and innovate their intervention delivery.
Laboratory and field evaluation of the STANDARD Q and Panbio™ SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid test in Namibia using nasopharyngeal samples
Authors: Konstantinus Iyaloo , Chiwara Douglas , Ndevaetela Emmy-Else , Ndarukwa-Phiri Victoria , Garus-oas Nathalia! , Frans Ndahafa , Ndumbu Pentikainen , Shiningavamwe Andreas , van Rooyen Gerhard , Schiceya Ferlin , Hlahla Lindile , Namundjebo Pendapala , Ndozi-Okia Ifeoma , Chikuse Francis , Bantiewalu Sirak Hailu , Tjombonde Kapena 
Published: September 2022

Background
As new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern emerge, there is a need to scale up testing to minimize transmission of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Many countries especially those in the developing world continue to struggle with scaling up reverse transcriptase polymerase reaction (RT-PCR) to detect SARS-CoV-2 due to scarcity of resources. Alternatives such as antigen rapid diagnostics tests (Ag-RDTs) may provide a solution to enable countries scale up testing.

Methods
In this study, we evaluated the Panbio™ and STANDARD Q Ag-RDTs in the laboratory using 80 COVID-19 RT-PCR confirmed and 80 negative nasopharyngeal swabs. The STANDARD Q was further evaluated in the field on 112 symptomatic and 61 asymptomatic participants.

Results
For the laboratory evaluation, both tests had a sensitivity above 80% (Panbio™ = 86% vs STANDARD Q = 88%). The specificity of the Panbio™ was 100%, while that of the STANDARD Q was 99%. When evaluated in the field, the STANDARD Q maintained a high specificity of 99%, however the sensitivity was reduced to 56%.

Conclusion
Using Ag-RDTs in low resource settings will be helpful in scaling-up SARS-CoV-2 testing, however, negative results should be confirmed by RT-PCR where possible to rule out COVID-19 infection.
Lifestyle risk factors and metabolic markers of cardiovascular diseases in Bangladeshi rural-to-urban male migrants compared with their non-migrant siblings: A sibling-pair comparative study
Authors: Mumu Shirin Jahan , Rahman A. K. M. Fazlur , Fahey Paul P. , Ali Liaquat , Merom Dafna 
Published: September 2022

Background
The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in developing countries like Bangladesh has been linked to progressive urbanisation. Comparisons of rural and urban populations often find a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors in the urban population, but rural-to-urban migrants might have different CVD risk profiles than either rural or urban residents. This study aimed to describe differences in CVD risk factors between migrants and non-migrants siblings and to determine whether acculturation factors were associated with CVD risk factors among migrants.

Methods
Using a sibling-pair comparative study, 164 male migrant who migrated from Pirganj rural areas to Dhaka City and their rural siblings (total N = 328) were assessed by interview, anthropometric measurement, blood pressure and blood samples. Comparisons were made using linear or logistic mixed effects models.

Findings
Physical inactivity, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables and possible existence of a mental health disorder had 3.3 (1.73; 6.16), 4.3 (2.32; 7.92) and 2.9 (1.37; 6.27) times higher odds among migrants than their rural siblings, respectively. Migrants watched television on average 20 minutes (95% CI 6.17–35.08 min/day) more per day than the rural sibling group whereas PUFA intake, fruit and vegetable and fish intake of the migrants were -5.3 gm/day (-6.91; -3.70), -21.6 serving/week (-28.20; -15.09), -14.1 serving/week (-18.32; -9.87), respectively, lower than that of the rural siblings. No significant difference was observed for other variables. After adjusting, the risk of physical inactivity, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, a mental health disorder and low HDL were significantly higher in migrants than in rural siblings and tended to be higher for each increasing tertile of urban life exposure.

Conclusion
The findings suggest that migration from rural-to-urban environment increases CVD risk which exacerbate with time spent in urban area due to acculturation. This study gives new insights into the increased CVD risk related with migration and urbanization in Bangladesh.
Feasibility of rescue stenting technique in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to middle cerebral artery occlusion after failed thrombectomy: A single-center retrospective experience
Authors: Kim Jang Hun , Choi Jong-Il 
Published: September 2022

Background
Despite remarkable advancements in intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy (IAT), recanalization failure rates up to 24% have been reported. Recently, permanent stent placement (rescue stent, RS) during IAT has been suggested as an optional modality for better reperfusion and outcomes in these patients. However, previous studies were limited owing to non-standardized procedure protocols and small sample sizes. Here, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of RS in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion.

Methods
Of the 243 patients in our IAT database (2015–2021), 183 were identified as having MCA occlusion alone. Among them, we extracted 53 patients in whom the IAT failed to show thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia (TICI) scores of 2A or worse. Intraoperatively, RS was deployed in 22 patients (RS group), whereas 31 patients (no-stent group) received IAT without stenting. The baseline characteristics and radiologic and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Comparisons between the groups and multivariate logistic analyses for recanalization and good functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) were performed.

Results
No baseline differences were noted (RS vs. no-stent); however, the recanalization outcomes (59.1% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.15) and proportion of good modified Rankin Scale scores (45.5% vs. 19.4%, p = 0.041) were better in the RS group. The parameters of symptomatic ICH (9.7% vs. 9.4%) and mortality (6.5% vs. 5.7%) showed no significant difference. In the multivariate analyses, ‘hypertension’ and ‘RS deployment’ were identified as significantly associated factors with recanalization and good prognosis.

Conclusion
In select patients with MCA occlusion AIS after failed IAT, the RS technique can be an optional rescue treatment modality for acquiring better functional outcomes and delayed recanalization.