bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysing behavioural outcome effectiveness in a musical theatre-based HIV/AIDS intervention among South African farm workers
Authors: Walker Gavin Robert 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In 2005, an applied theatre community outreach programme was launched to address low levels of HIV/AIDS awareness among farm workers in the Cape Winelands of South Africa. In cooperation with HIV testing organizations, the Lucky, the Hero mini-musical promoted regular HIV testing, condom use and acceptance of people living with HIV until being retired in 2017. Applying principles of the health belief model to interview data collected in 2015 from former Lucky, the Hero participants, this paper examines the effectiveness of the theatre production to achieve the behavioural outcomes of (i) encouraging regular HIV testing and ongoing awareness of HIV serostatus, and (ii) reducing AIDS-related social stigma. The findings suggest that the interventions were successful in persuading participants to know their HIV status immediately following the shows, as well as potentially contributing to a reduction of community-based external social stigma. However, the interventions were unable to maintain engagement with these behavioural outcomes in the years following the performances, resulting in low adherence to regular HIV testing and inconsistent condom use. Additionally, ongoing social and structural barriers to regular HIV testing and the potential for self-imposed HIV-related stigma were highlighted during the discussions. While applied theatre can be an effective avenue for HIV awareness and prevention, the paper demonstrates the importance of creating and maintaining strong community networks to support continued engagement with health-related behavioural outcomes.
Feasibility and acceptability of B6: a social capital program for young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men living with HIV
Authors: Moore Shamia J , Wood-Palmer Drew K , Jones Marxavian D , Doraivelu Kamini , Newman Jr Antonio , Harper Gary W , Camacho-González Andrés , del Río Carlos , Sutton Madeline Y , Hussen Sophia A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM) are disproportionately burdened by HIV and often exhibit suboptimal engagement in HIV care. With the goal of increasing engagement in HIV care, we designed a culturally specific, theory-based group-level program, Brothers Building Brothers by Breaking Barriers (B6), which aimed to strengthen resilience and social capital among YB-GBMSM living with HIV. We conducted a pilot trial to evaluate the program’s acceptability and feasibility. Through clinic-based recruitment and community outreach events, we recruited and enrolled 71 YB-GBMSM into the study. Participants were randomized to either the B6 program or a control comparison program. Post-session evaluation surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews showed B6 to have high levels of acceptability and satisfaction. Specifically, participants described benefits to interacting in a group with other YB-GBMSM, and several described increased comfort with their own gay identities after participation. No adverse events or safety concerns were reported. However, there were challenges to feasibility, as reflected in recruitment and retention rates. The B6 program was highly acceptable among YB-GBMSM living with HIV; however, innovative program delivery methods and implementation strategies will be needed to improve recruitment and retention in future implementation of B6.
Zoster-Associated Prothrombotic Plasma Exosomes and Increased Stroke Risk
Authors: Bubak Andrew N , Coughlan Christina , Posey Janelle , Saviola Anthony J , Niemeyer Christy S , Lewis Serena W R , Lopez Sara Bustos , Solano Adriana , Tyring Stephen K , Delaney Cassidy , Neeves Keith B , Mahalingam Ravi , Hansen Kirk C , Nagel Maria A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Herpes zoster (HZ; shingles) caused by varicella zoster virus reactivation increases stroke risk for up to 1 year after HZ. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, however, the development of stroke distant from the site of zoster (eg, thoracic, lumbar, sacral) that can occur months after resolution of rash points to a long-lasting, virus-induced soluble factor (or factors) that can trigger thrombosis and/or vasculitis. Herein, we investigated the content and contributions of circulating plasma exosomes from HZ and non-HZ patient samples. Compared with non-HZ exosomes, HZ exosomes (1) contained proteins conferring a prothrombotic state to recipient cells and (2) activated platelets leading to the formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates. Exosomes 3 months after HZ yielded similar results and also triggered cerebrovascular cells to secrete the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 6 and 8. These results can potentially change clinical practice through addition of antiplatelet agents for HZ and initiatives to increase HZ vaccine uptake to decrease stroke risk.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection in Women Increases With Rising Gonococcal Burdens in Partners: Chlamydia Coinfection in Women Increases Gonococcal Burden
Authors: Su Xiaohong , Le Wenjing , Zhu Xiaofeng , Li Sai , Wang Baoxi , Madico Guillermo , Yang Zhaoyan , Chaisson Christine E , McLaughlin Robert E , Gandra Sumanth , Yoon Jungwon , Zheng Bo , Lewis Lisa A , Gulati Sunita , Reed George W , Ram Sanjay , Rice Peter A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Likelihood of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in women exposed to male sex partners with increasing N. gonorrhoeae burdens and enhancement by Chlamydia trachomatis is not defined.

Methods
We identified men with urethritis and their regular female sex partners. Exposure to N. gonorrhoeae burdens in men was compared in N. gonorrhoeae-infected versus -uninfected partners. Association of N. gonorrhoeae infection in women with burdens in male partners was estimated using logistic regression. Association of C. trachomatis coinfection and N. gonorrhoeae burdens in women adjusted for burdens in male partners was estimated by linear regression.

Results
In total, 1816 men were enrolled; 202 had ≥2 partners, 91 who confirmed monogamy and were enrolled; 77% were married. Seventy were partners of N. gonorrhoeae-infected men; 58 (83%) were N. gonorrhoeae infected, 26 (45%) C. trachomatis coinfected. Infected women had partners with 9.3-fold higher N. gonorrhoeae burdens than partners of uninfected women (P = .0041). Association of N. gonorrhoeae infection in women with upper quartiles of N. gonorrhoeae burdens in partners increased (odds ratios ≥ 2.97)compared to the first quartile (P = .032). N. gonorrhoeae burdens in C. trachomatis-coinfected women were 2.82-fold higher than in C. trachomatis-uninfected women (P = .036).

Conclusions
N. gonorrhoeae infections increased in women whose partners were infected with higher N. gonorrhoeae burdens. C. trachomatis coinfection was associated with increased N. gonorrhoeae burdens in women.
Alpha to Omicron: Disease Severity and Clinical Outcomes of Major SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Esper Frank P , Adhikari Thamali M , Tu Zheng Jin , Cheng Yu-Wei , El-Haddad Kim , Farkas Daniel H , Bosler David , Rhoads Daniel , Procop Gary W , Ko Jennifer S , Jehi Lara , Li Jing , Rubin Brian P 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Four severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants predominated in the United States since 2021. Understanding disease severity related to different SARS-CoV-2 variants remains limited.

Method
Viral genome analysis was performed on SARS-CoV-2 clinical isolates circulating March 2021 through March 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. Major variants were correlated with disease severity and patient outcomes.

Results
In total 2779 patients identified with either Alpha (n = 1153), Gamma (n = 122), Delta (n = 808), or Omicron variants (n = 696) were selected for analysis. No difference in frequency of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death were found among Alpha, Gamma, and Delta variants. However, patients with Omicron infection were significantly less likely to be admitted to the hospital, require oxygen, or admission to the ICU (χ2 = 12.8, P &lt; .001; χ2 = 21.6, P &lt; .002; χ2 = 9.6, P = .01, respectively). In patients whose vaccination status was known, a substantial number had breakthrough infections with Delta or Omicron variants (218/808 [26.9%] and 513/696 [73.7%], respectively). In breakthrough infections, hospitalization rate was similar regardless of variant by multivariate analysis. No difference in disease severity was identified between Omicron subvariants BA.1 and BA.2.

Conclusions
Disease severity associated with Alpha, Gamma, and Delta variants is comparable while Omicron infections are significantly less severe. Breakthrough disease is significantly more common in patients with Omicron infection.
Green Spectrophotometric Platforms for Resolving Overlapped Spectral Signals of Recently Approved Antiparkinsonian Drug (Safinamide) in the Presence of Its Synthetic Precursor (4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde): Applying Ecological Appraisal and Comparative Statistical Studies
Authors: El-Sayed Heba M , El-Abassy Omar M , Abdellatef Hisham Ezzat , Hendawy Hassan A M , Ibrahim Hany 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Safinamide, a highly specific inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B, is a new approved prodigious therapy used to cure Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective
Before marketing and selling a medicine, manufacturers must guarantee that the manufacturing process is consistent by monitoring levels of process-related chemicals and drug contaminants. Therefore, five precise, fast, and accurate spectrophotometric techniques were employed and evaluated for the simultaneous measurement of safinamide and its synthetic precursor, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde.

Methods
The first derivative, derivative ratio, ratio difference, dual wavelength, and Fourier self-deconvolution methods worked well to resolve spectral overlap of safinamide and its synthetic precursor, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde.

Results
Safinamide detection limits ranged from 0.598 to 1.315 µg/mL, whereas the 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde detection limit was found to be as low as 0.327 µg/mL.

Conclusion
According to International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) criteria, all procedures were verified and confirmed to be accurate, robust, repeatable, and precise within reasonable range. No considerable variation was found when comparing the outcomes of the suggested approaches to the findings of previously published methods. The ecological value of established methods was measured: the national environmental methods index (NEMI), the analytical eco-scale, the analytical greenness metric (AGREE), and the green analytical process index (GAPI) were used.

Highlights
This is the first spectrophotometric determination of safinamide drug in the presence of its synthetic precursor. Five simple and efficient spectrophotometric approaches were employed to determine a newly approved antiparkinsonian drug in the presence of its synthetic precursor simultaneously. Ecological appraisal was performed for the developed methods using four assessment tools.
Biochemical analysis of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin and their regulation in determining chickpea flower and seed coat colour
Authors: Pal Lalita , Dwivedi Vikas , Gupta Santosh Kumar , Saxena Samiksha , Pandey Ashutosh , Chattopadhyay Debasis 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Flower and seed coat colour are important agronomic traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Cultivated chickpeas are of two types namely, desi (dark seeded, purple flowered) and kabuli (light seeded, white flowered). There has been limited information about the molecular mechanism underlying colour variation of flower and seed coats in desi and kabuli chickpea. We profiled the anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin (PA) contents in chickpea flowers and seed coats. Tissue-specific silencing of two genes encoding a basic helix-loop-helix (CabHLH) protein and a tonoplast-localized multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (CaMATE1) transporter in a desi genotype resulted in the reduction in expression of anthocyanin and PA biosynthetic genes and anthocyanin and PA contents in the flower and seed coat, and produced flowers and seeds with kabuli characteristics. Transcriptional regulation of a subset of anthocyanin and PA biosynthetic genes by a natural CabHLH variant and transport assay of a natural CaMATE1 variant explained the association of these alleles with the kabuli phenotype. We carried out a detailed molecular characterization of these genes, and provided evidence that kabuli chickpea flower and seed colour phenotypes can be derived by manipulation of single genes in a desi chickpea background.
Modelling the time variable spectral energy distribution of the blazar CTA 102 from 2008 to 2022
Authors: Sahakyan N , Israyelyan D , Harutyunyan G , Gasparyan S , Vardanyan V , Khachatryan M 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACT
We present long-term multiwavelength observations of blazar CTA 102 ($z$ = 1.037). Detailed temporal and spectral analyses of γ-ray, X-ray, and UV/optical data observed by Fermi-LAT, Swift XRT, NuSTAR, and Swift-UVOT over a period of 14 yr, between 2008 August and 2022 March, were performed. We found strong variability of source emission in all the considered bands; especially in the γ-ray band it exhibited extreme outbursts when the flux crossed the level of 10−5 photon cm−2 s−1. Using the Bayesian Blocks algorithm, we split the adaptively binned γ-ray light curve into 347 intervals of quiescent and flaring episodes and for each period built corresponding multiwavelength spectral energy distributions (SEDs), using the available data. Among the considered SEDs, 117 high-quality (quasi) contemporaneous SEDs, which have sufficient multiwavelength data, were modelled using jetset framework within a one-zone leptonic synchrotron and inverse-Compton emission scenario assuming the emitting region is within the broad-line region and considering internal and external seed photons for the inverse-Compton upscattering. As a result of modelling, the characteristics of the relativistic electron distribution in the jet as well as jet properties are retrieved and their variation in time is investigated. The applied model can adequately explain the assembled SEDs and the modelling shows that the data in the bright flaring periods can be reproduced for high Doppler boosting and magnetic field. The obtained results are discussed in the context of particle cooling in the emitting region.
Multimodal X-ray nano-spectromicroscopy analysis of chemically heterogeneous systems
Authors: Pattammattel Ajith , Tappero Ryan , Gavrilov Dmitri , Zhang Hongqiao , Aronstein Paul , Forman Henry Jay , O'Day Peggy A , Yan Hanfei , Chu Yong S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Understanding the nanoscale chemical speciation of heterogeneous systems in their native environment is critical for several disciplines such as life and environmental sciences, biogeochemistry, and materials science. Synchrotron-based X-ray spectromicroscopy tools are widely used to understand the chemistry and morphology of complex material systems owing to their high penetration depth and sensitivity. The multidimensional (4D+) structure of spectromicroscopy data poses visualization and data-reduction challenges. This paper reports the strategies for the visualization and analysis of spectromicroscopy data. We created a new graphical user interface and data analysis platform named XMIDAS (X-ray multimodal image data analysis software) to visualize spectromicroscopy data from both image and spectrum representations. The interactive data analysis toolkit combined conventional analysis methods with well-established machine learning classification algorithms (e.g. nonnegative matrix factorization) for data reduction. The data visualization and analysis methodologies were then defined and optimized using a model particle aggregate with known chemical composition. Nanoprobe-based X-ray fluorescence (nano-XRF) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (nano-XANES) spectromicroscopy techniques were used to probe elemental and chemical state information of the aggregate sample. We illustrated the complete chemical speciation methodology of the model particle by using XMIDAS. Next, we demonstrated the application of this approach in detecting and characterizing nanoparticles associated with alveolar macrophages. Our multimodal approach combining nano-XRF, nano-XANES, and differential phase-contrast imaging efficiently visualizes the chemistry of localized nanostructure with the morphology. We believe that the optimized data-reduction strategies and tool development will facilitate the analysis of complex biological and environmental samples using X-ray spectromicroscopy techniques.
rRNA expansion segment 7 in eukaryotes: from Signature Fold to tentacles
Authors: Biesiada Marcin , Hu Michael Y , Williams Loren Dean , Purzycka Katarzyna J , Petrov Anton S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The ribosomal core is universally conserved across the tree of life. However, eukaryotic ribosomes contain diverse rRNA expansion segments (ESs) on their surfaces. Sites of ES insertions are predicted from sites of insertion of micro-ESs in archaea. Expansion segment 7 (ES7) is one of the most diverse regions of the ribosome, emanating from a short stem loop and ranging to over 750 nucleotides in mammals. We present secondary and full-atom 3D structures of ES7 from species spanning eukaryotic diversity. Our results are based on experimental 3D structures, the accretion model of ribosomal evolution, phylogenetic relationships, multiple sequence alignments, RNA folding algorithms and 3D modeling by RNAComposer. ES7 contains a distinct motif, the ‘ES7 Signature Fold’, which is generally invariant in 2D topology and 3D structure in all eukaryotic ribosomes. We establish a model in which ES7 developed over evolution through a series of elementary and recursive growth events. The data are sufficient to support an atomic-level accretion path for rRNA growth. The non-monophyletic distribution of some ES7 features across the phylogeny suggests acquisition via convergent processes. And finally, illustrating the power of our approach, we constructed the 2D and 3D structure of the entire LSU rRNA of Mus musculus.
Non-canonical Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity island repression
Authors: Miguel-Romero Laura , Alqasmi Mohammed , Bacarizo Julio , Tan Jason A , Cogdell Richard J , Chen John , Byron Olwyn , Christie Gail E , Marina Alberto , Penadés José R 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Mobile genetic elements control their life cycles by the expression of a master repressor, whose function must be disabled to allow the spread of these elements in nature. Here, we describe an unprecedented repression-derepression mechanism involved in the transfer of Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPIs). Contrary to the classical phage and SaPI repressors, which are dimers, the SaPI1 repressor StlSaPI1 presents a unique tetrameric conformation never seen before. Importantly, not just one but two tetramers are required for SaPI1 repression, which increases the novelty of the system. To derepress SaPI1, the phage-encoded protein Sri binds to and induces a conformational change in the DNA binding domains of StlSaPI1, preventing the binding of the repressor to its cognate StlSaPI1 sites. Finally, our findings demonstrate that this system is not exclusive to SaPI1 but widespread in nature. Overall, our results characterize a novel repression-induction system involved in the transfer of MGE-encoded virulence factors in nature.
Host Biomarkers Reflect Prognosis in Patients Presenting With Moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chandna Arjun , Mahajan Raman , Gautam Priyanka , Mwandigha Lazaro ,   for the PRIORITISE Study Investigators, Abhilash Kundavaram PP , Balamugesh T , Burza Sakib , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Bhusan Divendu , Chandna Arjun , Cheung Arthur T L , David Thambu , Day Nicholas , Dayanand Divya , Dittrich Sabine , Dondorp Arjen , Gautam Priyanka , Geevar Tulasi , George Biju , Ghattamaneni Srinivasa R , Gunasekaran Karthik , Gupta Richa , Hansdak Samuel G , Hussain Samreen , Iyadurai Ramya , Jimenez Carolina , Karthik Rajiv , Karthikeyan Rohini , Kazmi Sharwar , Koshiaris Constantinos , Kumar Pragya , Kumar Sanjeev , Kumar Shiril , Kumar Vikash , Kundu Debasree , Lakshmanan Ankita , Lubell Yoel , Mahajan Raman , Manesh Abi , Menggred Chonticha , Moorthy Mahesh , Mwandigha Lazaro , Osborn Jennifer , Richard-Greenblatt Melissa , Sathyendra Sowmya , Sebastian Merylin , Sharma Sadhana , Singh Veena K , Singh Vikash K , Smith Christopher , Suri Javvad , Suzuki Shuichi , Tubprasert Jaruwan , Turner Paul , Varghese George , Villanueva Annavi M G , Waithira Naomi , Zachariah Anand , Kumar Pragya , Varghese George M , Koshiaris Constantinos , Lubell Yoel , Burza Sakib 
Published: October 2022

AbstractEfficient resource allocation is essential for effective pandemic response. We measured host biomarkers in 420 patients presenting with moderate coronavirus disease 2019 and found that different biomarkers predict distinct clinical outcomes. Interleukin (IL)–1ra, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-8 exhibit dose-response relationships with subsequent disease progression and could potentially be useful for multiple use-cases.
Demographics and Outcomes of Initial Phase of COVID-19 Medicines Delivery Units Across 4 UK Centers During Peak B1.1.529 Omicron Epidemic: A Service Evaluation
Authors: Brown Michael , Saund Jasjot , Qureshi Azka , Plowright Megan , Drury Katie , Gahir Joshua , Simpson Tom , Newman Thomas , Adams Kate , Galloway James , Durairaj Kezia , Elgizouli Kamla , Rampling Tommy , Cole Joby , Easom Nicholas , Goodman Anna L , Marks Michael 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 medicines delivery units (CMDU) were established in late December 2021 to deliver early antiviral therapy to patients classified as at risk with the aim of preventing hospitalization.

Methods
We performed a service evaluation at 4 CMDUs in England. We assessed demographics and triage outcomes of CMDU referral, uptake of antiviral therapy, and the rate of subsequent hospitalizations within 2 weeks of CMDU referral.

Results
Over a 3-week period, 4788 patients were referred and 3989 were ultimately assessed by a CMDU. Overall, 832 of the patients referred (17%) were judged eligible for treatment and 628 (13%) were ultimately prescribed an antiviral agent. The overall rate of admission within 14 days was 1%. Patients who were admitted were significantly older than those who did not require hospitalization. Of patients prescribed molnupiravir and sotrovimab, 1.8% and 3.2%, respectively, were admitted.

Conclusions
There was a high volume of referrals to CMDU service during the initial surge of the Omicron wave in the United Kingdom. A minority of patients were judged to be eligible for therapy. In a highly vaccinated population, the overall hospitalization rate was low.