bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The global, regional, and national testicular cancer burden and trends from 1990 to 2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Huang Guoxin , Li Han , Chen Xiali , Liu Ying , Jiang Chenglu , Zhang Shengke , Pei Bin , Sun Zhou
Published: August 2023

Background:To assess the disease burden of Testicular Cancer (TC) from 1990 to 2019.
Methods:Global, regional and national age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age-standardized death rate (ASDR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (DALYs) from 1990-2019 were used to analyze the disease burden of TC, combined with decomposition analyses and frontier analyses.
Results: The global ADIR, ASPR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALYs in 2019 were 2.79 (2.36,3.33), 21.24 (17.59,25.94), 0.28 (0.26,0.31), and 14.24 (12.91,15.98), respectively. The burden of disease varied by region and country, with Central Europe and Southern Latin America having higher than expected levels. Chile, Tonga, and Monaco were among the countries with a higher disease burden. Decomposition analysis showed population growth as the main factor for changing age-standardized DALYs. Frontier analysis showed that age-standardized DALYs in different countries have much room for improvement, especially in Tonga and Kiribati. The global ADIR, ASPR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALYs are projected to be 3.13, 24.08, 0.29, and 15.01 by 2030.
Conclusions: TC remains a global public problem. There are significant regional and national differences, and therefore different regions and countries should be targeted to improve the disease burden of TC.
Multilevel analysis on magnitude and factors associated with unmet need for family planning among reproductive age women in world poorest countries: Further analysis of recent demographic health survey data
Authors: Alie Melsew Setegn
Published: August 2023

Background
Unmet need for family planning is the contributor and devastating issue of maternal health. Meting the unmet need of contraceptive averts the maternal and newborn death. Unmet need for family planning is one factor for low improvement of maternal health and contribute to high population growth especially in Africa. Therefore, describing prevalence of unmet need and its determinants is very important to intervene and design appropriate program umbrella.
Objective
To describe the factors associated with unmet need for family planning among reproductive age women in poorest world countries.
Method
This study analyzed secondary data from Demographic and Health Surveys of which contained detailed family planning for all interviewed women aged 15 to 49 years. The variables of the study were extracted from women’s individual record (IR) data set using STATA version 15. The data were weighted using sampling weight before any statistical analysis to account the sampling design. STATA version 15 was used for editing, recoding, exploratory and multivariable analysis. Appropriateness of multilevel analysis were done and null model, model with individual variable, model with community level variable and model with both individual and community level variable were built. Both bivariable and multivariable multilevel analysis was done. Variable with p-value < 0.25 were selected for multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis. Variables with p-value ≤ 5% declared as statistical significant with outcome variable.
Results
The magnitude of unmet need among reproductive age women in poorest countries were 27.55% (95% CI 23.44, 28.9). Factors associated with unmet need family which was identified in this study were women age group of 25–35 years [AOR = 0.89; 95% CI 0.85–0.94], women’s in age group of > = 36[AOR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.07,1.22], women’s residing in Urban area [AOR = 0.85; 95% CI 0.8,0.91], and households lead by female [AOR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.2, 1.32] were the determinants of unmet need for family planning.
Conclusion
Unmet need for family planning contributes for unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion that finally results maternal mortality. In the current study, unmet need for family planning were high. Living in rural, divorced or widowed or separated, maternal age 25–35 year, maternal educational status primary and above, women who had any work, exposure on FP in newspaper, media exposure, intention to use family planning were the protective factors. Whereas age of women greater than 35, women currently working, female headed household, desire of child, husbands desire for a child were the risk factors for unmet need for family planning. Factor specific with considering the same socioeconomic status of the country should be consider to design the policies and programs.
Age affects lateral spurring after pediatric humerus lateral condyle fractures: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Tao , Wen Wu , Dong Chuan , Liu Yu , Yin Xing , Han Saiping , Zhou Wei , Li Nan , Li Yuancheng
Published: August 2023

Background:
Lateral spurring is frequently observed after lateral condyle fractures of the humerus in children. Despite its frequent recognition, few previous studies have defined this phenomenon, explored a correlation with any fracture or treatment characteristics, nor assessed its clinical significance.
Methods:
Information of 146 lateral condyle fractures in children from June 2015 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and an database was established. Lateral spurring was defined as a bony overgrowth over the lateral aspect of the lateral condyle resulting in imaging irregularity on radiography. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for lateral spurring, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the impact of independent risk factors.
Results:
Among the 146 fractures identified, 6.6% were treated with cast immobilization, 93.4% with open reduction and internal fixation, and none with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. In total, 110(75.3%) patients developed a lateral spur, age was identified as an independent risk factor for lateral spurring(P<0.001), and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.806(95% confidence interval [CI] 0.729-0.883, P<0.001). At age 61.5 months, the Youden index reached its maximum with a sensitivity of 86.1% and specificity of 65.5%, Patients with age less than 61.5 months had a higher lateral spurring, the Relative Prevalence (RP) was 1.70.
Conclusions:
The development of lateral spurring closely correlates with patient age, the incidence of lateral spurring decreases with age, the incidence of lateral spurring was higher in patients younger than 61.5 months. The presence of a lateral spur after an LCF of the humerus does not influence the function or the appearance of the elbow.
Level of Evidence:
Level Ⅳ— retrospective study.
Disparities in Long-Term Outcomes Between Benign and Malignant Diseases After Hartmann’s Procedure: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Imaizumi Ken , Kasajima Hiroyuki , Sato Aya , Sato Kentaro , Ito Keiichiro , Fukasawa Takumu , Ichimura Kentaro , Odagiri Makoto , Yamana Daisuke , Tsuruga Yosuke , Umehara Minoru , Kurushima Michihiro , Nakanishi Kazuaki
Published: August 2023

Background: The long-term course following Hartmann’s procedure may vary by primary disease, but remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to compare the incidence of reversal after Hartmann’s procedure (HR) between benign and malignant diseases and explore post-HR long-term outcomes.
Methods: Patients who underwent Hartmann’s procedure between June 2005 and December 2021 at a single center were retrospectively evaluated. The primary endpoint was the difference in HR incidence between benign and malignant diseases. The secondary endpoints were identification of the predictive factors for HR incidence and stoma-free survival and anorectal functions after reversal between patients with benign and malignant diseases.
Results: Among 261 patients, the benign and malignant disease groups comprised 102 and 159, respectively. Cumulative HR incidence was significantly lower in the in the malignant disease than in the benign disease groups (P <0.001). However, malignant disease was not an independent factor for HR in the multivariate analysis. Low Charlson’s comorbidity index (P <0.001), urgent Hartmann’s procedure (performed as a lifesaving procedure; P <0.001), and home discharge (P <0.001) were significantly associated with HR incidence. Among 43 patients who underwent HR, the rate of stoma-free survival in the malignant disease group reduced significantly as the duration from reversal increased compared with the benign disease group (P=0.020). No significant between-group differences were observed in anorectal function (n=23).
Conclusion: The incidence of HR and the stoma-free survival rate after HR may be lower in patients with malignant disease than in those with benign disease, although anorectal function after HR did not differ significantly.
Predicted broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) resistance and associated envelope characteristics of adults with HIV-1 seroconversion in Botswana
Authors: Moraka Natasha Onalenna , Choga Wonderful T. , Pema Marea N. , Chawawa Moses K. , Gobe Irene , Mokomane Margaret , Bareng Ontlametse T. , Bhebhe Lynnette , Kelentse Nametso , Mulenga Graceful , Pretorius-Holme Molly , Mohammed Terence , Koofhethile Catherine K. , Makhema Joseph M. , Shapiro Roger , Lockman Shahin , Moyo Sikhulile , Gaseitsiwe Simani
Published: August 2023

We used HIV-1C sequences to predict (in silico) resistance to 33 known broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) and evaluate the different HIV-1 env characteristics that may affect virus neutralization.
We analyzed proviral sequences from adults with documented HIV-1 seroconversion (N=140) in Botswana (2013-2018). HIV-1 env sequences were used to predict bnAb resistance using bNAb-ReP, to determine the number of potential N-linked glycosylation sites (PNGS) and evaluate env variable region characteristics (VC). We also assessed the presence of signature mutations that may affect bnAb sensitivity in vitro.
We observe varied results for predicted bnAb resistance among our cohort. 3BNC117 showed high predicted resistance (72%) compared to intermediate levels of resistance to VRC01 (57%). We predict low resistance to PGDM100 and 10-1074 and no resistance to 4E10. No difference was observed in the frequency of PNGS by bNAb susceptibility patterns except for higher number of PNGs in V3 bnAb resistant strains. Associations of VC were observed for V1, V4 and V5 loop length and net charge. We also observed few mutations that have been reported to confer bnAb resistance in vitro.
Our results support use of sequence data and machine learning tools to predict the best bnAbs to use within populations.
Emotional intelligence as a predictor of job satisfaction among midwives in Northern Iran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zolfaghary Fatemeh , Adib-Rad Hajar , Pasha Hajar , Bakouei Fatemeh , Osko Sahar , MashaghiTabari Reza
Published: August 2023

Background Emotional Intelligence (EI) is an important skill for midwives. Our study aimed to understand EI as a Predictor of Job Satisfaction among Midwives.
Methods This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 143 employed midwives in maternity wards of government and private hospitals, as well as healthcare centers in Iran. The data were collected using demographic-fertility Characteristics, emotional intelligence, and job satisfaction questionnaires. For the assessment of EI, the Bar-On's Emotional Intelligence questionnaire was used which consists of 90 items. For the assessment of job satisfaction, Herzberg's Job Satisfaction Questionnaire was used which consists of 72 items. The significance level of the tests was considered to be P<0.05.
Results The results of the study showed that the average EI and job satisfaction of midwives were moderate (316.57±33.64 and 278.58±25.95 respectively). According to Pearson correlation coefficients, there was a significant positive correlation between total job satisfaction and total EI scores (r=0.356, p<0.001). According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis after adjusting for other variables, job satisfaction of midwives had a significant positive association with total EI and friendly relationship with supervisors (β=0.258, p=0.022 and β=0.267, p=0.046 respectively).
Conclusion This study showed that high emotional intelligence enhances midwives' job satisfaction. So midwifery managers should create conditions that help enhance the Emotional Intelligence and satisfaction of midwives.
Long-term multicenter comparison shows equivalent efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in severe asthma therapy
Authors: Kayser Moritz Z. , Suhling Hendrik , Fuge Jan , Hinze Christopher A. , Drick Nora , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Behr Jürgen , Taube Christian , Welte Tobias , Haasler Ina , Milger Katrin
Published: August 2023

Background
Monoclonal antibodies (biologics) drastically changed severe asthma therapy. Mepolizumab (anti-interleukin (IL) 5), benralizumab (anti-IL5 receptor alpha), and dupilumab (anti-IL4/13) are the most used biologics in this context. While all biologics are efficient individually, the choice of biologic is complicated by insufficient data on their comparative long-term treatment efficacy. Here, we compare the real-life efficacy of these biologics in asthma therapy over 12 months.
Methods
280 severe asthma patients treated with mepolizumab (129/280, 46%), benralizumab (83/280, 30%) or dupilumab (68/280, 24%) for one year were analyzed retrospectively. Data were collected at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of therapy. Endpoints were changes pulmonary function (PF), exacerbation rate, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use and dose, asthma control test (ACT) score and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels as well as responder status measured by the recently published “Biologic Asthma Response Score” (BARS).
Results
All biologics led to significant improvements in PF, ACT and OCS dose. Only Mepolizumab and Benralizumab significantly decreased the exacerbation rate, while only Mepolizumab and Dupilumab significantly decreased FeNO. Responder rates measured by BARS were high across all groups: roughly half of all patients achieved full response and most of the remainder achieved at least partial responder status. Overall, outcomes were similar between groups after both 6 and 12 months.
Conclusions
All biologics showed great efficacy in individual parameters and high responder rates measured by BARS without a clinically relevant advantage for any antibody. Response was usually achieved after 6 months and retained at 12 months, emphasizing the utility of early response assessment.
Evaluating pooled testing for asymptomatic screening of healthcare workers in hospitals
Authors: Heath Bethany , Evans Stephanie , Robertson David S. , Robotham Julie V. , Villar Sofía S. , Presanis Anne M.
Published: August 2023

Background: There is evidence that during the COVID pandemic, a number of patient and HCW infections were nosocomial. Various measures were put in place to try to reduce these infections including developing asymptomatic PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing schemes for healthcare workers. Regularly testing all healthcare workers requires many tests while reducing this number by only testing some healthcare workers can result in undetected cases. An efficient way to test as many individuals as possible with a limited testing capacity is to consider pooling multiple samples to be analysed with a single test (known as pooled testing).
Methods: Two different pooled testing schemes for the asymptomatic testing are evaluated using an individual-based model representing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a 'typical’ English hospital. We adapt the modelling to reflect two scenarios: a) a retrospective look at earlier SARS-CoV-2 variants under lockdown or social restrictions, and b) transitioning back to 'normal life' without lockdown and with the omicron variant. The two pooled testing schemes analysed differ in the population that is eligible for testing. In the 'ward’ testing scheme only healthcare workers who work on a single ward are eligible and in the 'full’ testing scheme all healthcare workers are eligible including those that move across wards. Both pooled schemes are compared against the baseline scheme which tests only symptomatic healthcare workers.
Results: Including a pooled asymptomatic testing scheme is found to have a modest (albeit statistically significant) effect, reducing the total number of nosocomial healthcare worker infections by about 2% in both the lockdown and non-lockdown setting. However, this reduction must be balanced with the increase in cost and healthcare worker isolations. Both ward and full testing reduce HCW infections similarly but the cost for ward testing is much less. We also consider the use of lateral flow devices (LFDs) for follow-up testing. Considering LFDs reduces cost and time but LFDs have a different error profile to PCR tests.
Conclusions: Whether a PCR-only or PCR and LFD ward testing scheme is chosen depends on the metrics of most interest to policy makers, the virus prevalence and whether there is a lockdown.
Identification of necroptosis-related genes and immune infiltration analysis on the pathogenesis of recurrent implantation failure through integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Xing Xiuye , Ni Xiaoxiao , Wang Jiaojiao , Shi Junmei
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to elucidate the role of necroptosis, a cell death process, in the pathogenesis of Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF), a significant hurdle in Assisted Reproductive Technology.
Methods
Using the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we isolated RIF-related RNA-seq data and identified differentially expressed necroptosis-related genes (DENRGs). Functional enrichment analysis, Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks, transcription factors (TFs) regulatory network, and Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were employed to understand the role of these genes in RIF.
Results
Twenty DENRGs were filtered, and six key genes (MLKL, FASLG, XIAP, CASP1, BIRC3, and TLR3) were identified at the hub of the PPI network. A predictive model for RIF, based on these genes, displayed good performance. A positive correlation of TLR3 with PER2, RORC, and FOXO1, and a negative correlation with UHRF1, BRCA2, and GLI1 was observed in the TFs network. The RIF group demonstrated significantly lower infiltration levels of 16 immune cells. Expression levels of key genes, except for XIAP, differed significantly between RIF and control groups. Potential therapeutic drugs modulating CASP1 were also predicted.
Conclusion
The investigation highlights the crucial role of necroptosis-related genes, especially MLKL, FASLG, XIAP, CASP1, BIRC3, and TLR3 in RIF pathogenesis. The identified genes can contribute to an effective RIF predictive model and suggest potential therapeutic targets for novel RIF treatments.
The Efficacy and Safety of Perioperative Glucocorticoid for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Fangyan , Duan Mei , Fu Huiqun , Wang Tianlong
Published: August 2023

Background: An increasing number of individuals undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which can result in pain, limited motor function and adverse complications such as inflammation and poor rehabilitation. Glucocorticoids have been shown anti-inflammatory and antiemetic effects, but the drugs can also elevate blood glucose levels and increase the risk of wound infection. Thus, it is essential to investigate the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoid usage in TKA.
Method: A comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of glucocorticoid application in TKA. The primary outcomes assessed were the postoperative pain assessment. Secondary outcomes included the range of motion in knee joint, levels of inflammatory cytokines, adverse complications, and the length of hospital stay.
Results: Thirty-six randomized controlled trials were included in the final analysis. The glucocorticoid group exhibited significant reduction in VAS scores on postoperative days 1, 2 (POD1, 2)and postoperative 3 months (POM3), as well as decreased morphine consumption on POD1 and increased range of motion (ROM) in knee joint on POD1, 3. Additionally, the glucocorticoid group exhibited decreased levels of postoperative inflammatory cytokines and the incidence of PONV along with a shorter length of hospital stay. The blood glucose on POD2 and occurrence of adverse complications were similar between two groups. The periarticular injection analgesia (PIA) group demonstrated lower VAS scores on POD2 and higher plasma CRP levels comparing to the systemic administration group.
Conclusion: Glucocorticoid application in TKA can provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiemetic effects, as well as improved range of motion and rehabilitation. Moreover, periarticular injection of glucocorticoids can effectively alleviate pain, while systemic administration can decrease plasma CRP levels after TKA more significantly.
Health conditions in spousal caregivers of people with dementia and their relationships with stress, caregiving experiences, and social networks: longitudinal findings from the IDEAL programme
Authors: Sabatini Serena , Martyr Anthony , Hunt Anna , Gamble Laura D. , Matthews Fiona E. , Thom Jeanette M. , Jones Roy W. , Allan Louise , Knapp Martin , Quinn Catherine , Victor Christina , Pentecost Claire , Rusted Jennifer M. , Morris Robin G. , Clare Linda
Published: August 2023

Objectives: Evidence documenting health conditions in spousal caregivers of people with dementia is scarce. This study explores 1) type and number of health conditions among caregivers of people with dementia and subgroups based on age, sex, and education; 2) whether number of health conditions changed over two years; and 3) whether over time the number of health conditions was associated with stress, positive experiences of caring, and social networks.
Methods: Longitudinal data from the IDEAL (Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life) cohort were used. Participants comprised spousal caregivers (n= 977) of people with dementia taking part in IDEAL. Caregivers self-reported health conditions using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Stress, positive experiences of caregiving, and social network were assessed over two years. Mixed effect models were used.
Results: On average participants had 1.5 health conditions at baseline; increasing to 2.1 conditions over two years. At baseline, caregivers aged <70 years were likely to have fewer health conditions than those aged 70-74 years. Those with a university education had fewer health conditions than those without educational qualifications. More health conditions were associated with greater stress at baseline but not with stress over time. Health conditions were not associated with sex, positive experiences of caregiving, or social network at any timepoint.
Discussion: For caregivers taking part in IDEAL caregiving was slightly more stressful for those in poorer health compared to those in better health. Findings highlight the importance of acknowledging that most caregivers have their own health problems which require management.
The effect of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 4G/5G polymorphism on the Venous thromboembolism risk after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Xu Zhan , Xu Duliang , Wen Qingyu , Liu Yanbin , Yin Han
Published: August 2023

Background
We herein determine the relationship between 4G/5G polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene and Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA); and identify independent risk factors associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after TKA through multivariate regression analysis.
Methods
From August of 2022 to November of 2022, 100 participants who underwent primary knee arthroplasty were enrolled in the study. Venous whole blood samples were collected to determine PAI-1 4G/5G genotypes. Lower extremity venous ultrasound was performed to detect DVT on the 5th day postoperatively or when patients had symptoms of DVT. Univariate analyses were performed using the chi-square test. Variables with a P value of less than 0.10 on univariate analysis were entered into multivariate analysis. reported risk factors (Sex, age, operating time, disease, hemostatic drugs, laterality, D-dimer, anticoagulants) for DVT after knee arthroplasty, although the difference was not significant in our study, were also entered into multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic proportional hazards regression model.
Results
The incidence of DVT in this study was 52%. There was no significant difference in gender proportion between the DVT group and the non-DVT group. The DVT group had reduced intraoperative blood loss (98.0 ml) than the non-DVT group (134.2 ml), although the difference was not statistically significant. The value of D-dimer in DVT group (0.27) was lower than that in the non-DVT group (0.69), but the difference was not significant. On univariate analysis, the 4G/5G genotype of PAI-1 gene was more represented in DVT group, as compared to the non- DVT group. Sex, age, operating time, disease, hemostatic drugs, laterality, D-dimer, anticoagulants have also been considered predictors of DVT in many studies; therefore, we also included these items in our multivariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, the 4G/5G genotype of PAI-1 gene was identified as independent prognostic factors for DVT after TKA.
Conclusions
When anticoagulants were used after total knee arthroplasty, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis was 52%. The 4G/5G genotype of PAI-1 gene may be a high-risk factor for DVT in patients undergoing TKA.
Knowledge and Attitude towards Monkeypox: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: León-Figueroa Darwin A. , Barboza Joshuan J. , Siddiq Abdelmonem , Sah Ranjit , Valladares-Garrido Mario J. , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: August 2023

Background
The increase in monkeypox (Mpox) incidence underscores the crucial need to understand and effectively address prevention, early detection, and agile response to this disease. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the knowledge and attitude towards Mpox.
Methods
A systematic review and comprehensive literature meta-analysis were conducted using prominent databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect, with an updated search until June 25, 2023. The quality of the included cross-sectional studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Statistical Meta-Analysis Review Instrument. The collected data were recorded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and analyses were conducted using R software version 4.2.3. Additionally, Cochran's Q statistics were applied to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies.
Results
A total of 299 articles were retrieved from 5 databases. This study included 27 cross-sectional articles with a total sample of 22,327 participants, of which 57.13% were women. The studies were conducted in 15 countries through an online survey. All studies had a high level of quality. The combined prevalence of a good level of knowledge about Mpox was 33% (95% CI: 22%-45%; I2 = 100%), and the combined prevalence of a positive attitude towards Mpox was 40% (95% CI: 19%-62%; I2 = 99%). Additionally, as a secondary outcome, the combined prevalence of the intention to vaccinate against Mpox was 58% (95% CI: 37%-78%; I2 = 99%).
Conclusion
Good knowledge and a positive attitude towards Mpox were found to be low. The findings of this study highlight the need to identify gaps and focus on implementing educational programs on Mpox.
Terms used
Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI), Prospective International Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)
Influence of microbiota awareness in first trimester on high risk pregnancy in Turkish women: cross-sectional study
Authors: Cömert Tuğba Küçükkasap , Karadeniz Sinan , Akpınar Funda
Published: August 2023

Background:It is suggested that pregnancy risks may be related to microbial dysbiosis, and it is known that knowledge on this subject is reflected in behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether microbiota awareness in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with pregnancy-related risks.Methods:Within the scope of the study, the microbiota awareness scale was administered to 426 individuals in the first trimester of pregnancy, and information on any diagnosis related to high-risk pregnancy, gestational age, birth weight, and birth height of the newborn was obtained from their file records.Results:The mean total microbiota awareness score of individuals was 61.38±11.00 (26.00-91.00). The microbiota awareness score (56.85±11.65) was found to be lower in individuals diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy (p<0.05) than in healthy subjects (63.64±9.94). Moreover, in individuals with high-risk pregnancies, a positive correlation was found between the microbiota awareness score and newborn birth weight and height (p<0.05).Conclusion:The microbiota awareness level in pregnant women is associated with high-risk pregnancy and neonatal growth status.
Multi-Factor based Nutrition Management System and Recipe Recommendation Engine
Authors: Chaudhari Shilpa , R. Aparna , Ramesh Aravind Shreyas , Bhat Dheeraj , Gaurav V , Divya .
Published: August 2023

Nutrient management in the context of this research aims to quantize the consumption of essential nutrients in an efficient format such that it leads to a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Increased consciousness towards one’s health has recently been in the limelight which creates the need for an intelligent system specially customized for the individual that can analyze your consumption’s quality and suggest options that could essentially fulfill your body’s need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Existing literature uses few solution to recommend healthy recipe, which either lacks usage of authorized nutritional database or the required factors of user. This paper discusses an intelligent recipe recommender to aid in the development of a diet that allows all users to make healthy choices in their daily lives while still enjoying food and keeping healthy. The recipe recommender system is implemented as a mobile or web application that helps users who have nutritional deficiencies to maintain a healthy well-balanced diet by suggesting various recipes to the users in video format with additional relevant information which will improve the user’s well-being and quality of life.
Prognostic impact of primary tumor site on liver metastasis in resectable colorectal cancer
Authors: 郭 辉龙 , Chen Jingyao , Tang Youzhen , zeng Qian-Lin , Li Ming-Zhe , He Yulong , Wu Wen-Hui
Published: August 2023

Purpose Currently, right colon cancer (RCC), left colon cancer (LCC), and rectal cancer (REC) are typically considered as different tumor entities when discussed. The curative effect and different prognoses of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) whom underwent simultaneous radical surgery are studied based on the site of the primary tumor. Methods This study analyzed 215 patients with CRLM at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and were treated with radical surgery from 2008 to 2021. All data were analyzed by SPSS. Results Ratio of right colon liver metastasis (RCLM) of longitudinal diameter of primary tumor ≥ 5cm was more than left colon liver metastasis (LCLM) and rectal cancer liver metastasis (ReCLM) (61.0% versus 34.3% versus 33.3%, p = 0.001), and similarly for Percentage circumference of intestinal wall involved=1 (74.6% versus 57.8% versus 50.0%, p = 0.021).The three-year overall survival (OS) of RCLM group was significantly less than LCLM group and ReCLM group (37.5% versus 64.7% versus 62.5%, p = 0.016). The univariate and Multivariate analysis showed Percentage circumference of intestinal wall involved, lymph node metastasis and CA199 were the independent risk factors for OS of RCLM, and Percentage circumference of intestinal wall involved and CA199 were the independent risk factors for DFS of CRLM. Conclusion Primary tumors should be considered when analyzing the outcomes of CRLM.
Early detection of liver injuries by the Serum enhanced binding test sensitive to albumin post-transcriptional modifications
Authors: Balkhi Souleiman El , Rahali Mohamad Ali , Lakis Roy , Sauvage François Ludovic , Martin Marving , Janaszkiewicz Angelika , Lawson Roland , Goncalves Ruben , Carrier Paul , Loustaud-Ratti Veronique , Guyot Anne , Marquet Pierre , Meo Florent Di , Saint-Marcoux Franck
Published: August 2023

Background: Early and sensitive biomarkers of liver dysfunction and drug-induced liver injury (DILI) are still needed, both for patient care and drug development.
Methods: We developed the Serum Enhanced Binding (SEB) test to reveal post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) of human serum albumin resulting from hepatocyte dysfunctions and further evaluated its performance in an animal model. The SEB test consists in spiking serum ex-vivo with ligands having specific binding sites related to the most relevant albumin PTMs and measuring their unbound fraction. To explore the hypothesis that albumin PTMs occur early during liver injury and can also be detected by the SEB test, we induced hepatotoxicity in male albino Wistar rats by administering high daily doses of ethanol and CCl4 over several days. Blood was collected for characterization and quantification of albumin isoforms by high-resolution mass spectrometry, for classical biochemical analyses as well as to apply SEB test.
Results: In the exposed rats, the appearance of albumin isoforms paralleled the positivity of the SEB test ligands and histological injuries. These were observed as early as D3 in the Ethanol and CCl4 groups, whereas the classical liver tests (ALT, AST, PAL) significantly increased only at D7. The behavior of several ligands were supported by structural and molecular simulation analysis.
Conclusion: The SEB test and albumin isoforms revealed hepatocyte damage early, before the current biochemical biomarkers. The SEB test should be easier to implement in the clinics than albumin isoform profiling.
Fear of depression recurrence among individuals with remitted depression: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Gumuchian Stephanie T. , Boyle Ariel , Hazel Lori H. , Ellenbogen Mark A.
Published: August 2023

Background
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition and the largest contributor to disability worldwide. MDD is highly recurrent, yet little is known about the mechanisms that occur following a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) and underlie recurrence. We explored the concept of fear of depression recurrence (FoDR) and its impact on daily functioning among individuals in remission from MDD.
Methods
30 participants (83% female; 37% White; Mage = 27.7, SD = 8.96) underwent semi-structured qualitative interviews. The interviews explored participants' experiences of FoDR including the frequency, severity, content, triggers, and impact of fears and associated coping strategies. We used content analysis to analyze the transcriptions.
Results
Most participants (73%) reported having FoDR, with varying frequency, severity, and duration of fears. The triggers and content of participants’ fears often mirrored the symptoms (e.g., low mood, anhedonia) and consequences (e.g., job loss, social withdrawal) endured during past MDEs. Some participants reported a minimal impact of FoDR on daily functioning, whereas others reported a positive (e.g., personal growth) or negative (e.g., increased anxiety) influence.
Limitations:
Our sample size did not allow for explorations of differences in FoDR across unique MDD subtypes or sociocultural factors.
Conclusions
The concept of FoDR may present a window into understanding the unique cognitive and behavioural changes that occur following MDD remission and underlie depression recurrence. Future research should emphasize the development of a FoDR measure so that associations between FoDR and recurrence risk, depressive symptoms, and other indices of functioning can be determined.
Lithospheric Delamination as the Driving Mechanism of Intermediate-depth Seismicity in the Bucaramanga Nest, Colombia
Authors: Pérez-Forero Diego , Koulakov Ivan , Vargas Carlos A. , Gerya Taras , Arifi Nassir Al
Published: August 2023

The Bucaramanga nest (BN) is an area of exceptionally strong intermediate-depth seismicity localized in a narrow zone at 150–170 km depth beneath the continental plate in Colombia. To explain the very unusual mantle seismicity cluster in this area, we built a seismic velocity model in the vicinity of BN with the use of local earthquake tomography and developed a numerical hydromechanical model. Our seismic model shows a strong high-velocity anomaly at 130–167 km coinciding with the BN seismicity. The relocated seismicity can be separated in two clusters. We propose that the upper BN cluster at ~ 130 km depth is attributed to dehydration embrittlement, whereas the lower BN cluster at ~ 150 km depth coinciding with the high-velocity body is caused by lithospheric delamination, creating a “drip” that falls down over the subducting oceanic plate, enhancing fluid release from the slab, potentially increasing seismicity.
Seismic signature of an extreme hydrometeorological event
Authors: Picozzi Matteo , Coviello Velio , Palo Mauro , Adirosi Elisa
Published: August 2023

Flash floods are a major treat for Mediterranean countries and their frequency is expected to increase in the next years due to the climatic change. Civil protection agencies are called to deal with increasing hydrological risk, but existing hydro-meteorological monitoring networks might be not enough for detecting, tracking, and characterizing rapidly evolving floods produced by severe convective storms. Here, we leverage seismic data from a national monitoring network to characterize the hydrometeorological event that hit central Italy and resulted in a devastating flash flood in September 2022. The spatio-temporal evolution of seismic noise highlights remarkable anomalies that culminate around 6 hours before major flooding. Our results show that seismic noise generated by different, combined processes (rainfall, wind and increasing discharge in the basin headwaters), provides precious information to support hydrological risk management. We foresee seismic approaches to complement well-established procedures to early detect the occurrence of flash floods at regional scale.
An approach for comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment and effective eco design of IoT systems: data-driven modeling of reference flows
Authors: Quisbert-Trujillo Ernesto , Morfouli Panagiota
Published: August 2023

As we approach the limits of our technologies and the number of connected devices grows, scientists put more efforts to estimate and reduce the ecological damage of the Internet of Things. Unfortunately, environmental studies and eco design of IoT systems suffer from a major inconvenience so far: it does not put sensor data in the focus of attention. This paper aims to point out explicitly the essential role of this aspect for modeling reference flows and demonstrate its relevance for agile environmental assessment and sustainable design. Also, it aims to illustrate that such modeling process must happen in a comprehensive way. For this, our work relies on a case study addressing smart metering, and we proceed as follows. Based on available documentation and inspired by certain aspects of different technologies, we imagine the maximal capacities of key components, and we construct an unfavorable data flow scenario to get a rough idea of the reference flow and the long-term impact of our system during its use phase. Results from this procedure are later contrasted with results obtained from a packet traffic analysis, in which local and internet data flow are examined carefully. At the end, we verify the importance of data empirically, and we conclude that the reference flow and the impact contributors of a system could be affected not only by the local data transit but also by the complex interactions between edge devices and cloud resources. All our findings are discussed to produce generic guidelines for sustainable IoT systems.
Inhibitors of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase interfere with neutrophil functions in vitro
Authors: De Bondt Mirre , Renders Janne , de Prado Paloma Petit , Berghmans Nele , Pörtner Noëmie , Vanbrabant Lotte , Duran Gayel , Baeten Paulien , Broux Bieke , Gouwy Mieke , Matthys Patrick , Hellings Niels , Struyf Sofie
Published: August 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative, autoimmune disease that is still incurable. Nowadays, a variety of new drugs are being developed to prevent excessive inflammation and halt neurodegeneration. Among these are the inhibitors of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). As this enzyme is indispensable for B cells, it is an appealing therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. Recognizing the emerging importance of BTK in myeloid cells, we investigated the impact of upcoming BTK inhibitors on neutrophil functions. Although adaptive immunity in MS has been thoroughly studied, unanswered questions about the pathogenesis can be addressed by studying the effects of candidate MS drugs on innate immune cells such as neutrophils, previously overlooked in the MS landscape. In this study, we used three BTK inhibitors (evobrutinib, fenebrutinib and tolebrutinib), currently in phase III clinical trials for MS, and found that they reduce neutrophil activation by the bacterial peptide N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and the chemokine interleukin 8/CXCL8. Furthermore, they diminished the production of reactive oxygen species and release of neutrophil extracellular traps. Additionally, the production of CXCL8 and interleukin-1β by neutrophils in response to inflammatory stimuli decreased. Inhibitory effects were not related to toxicity. In fact, BTK inhibitors prolonged neutrophil survival in an inflammatory environment. Finally, migration of neutrophils treated with BTK inhibitors towards CXCL8 was decreased in a Boyden chamber assay, whereas transendothelial migration was unaffected. Collectively, this study provides novel insights into the impact of BTK inhibitors on neutrophil functions, thereby holding important implications for autoimmune or hematological diseases where BTK is crucial.
Radiological Factors Associated with Increased Intramedullary Signal Intensity Based on X-ray and MRI – Implications in our understanding of Degenerative Spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Sial Alisha W. , Sima Stone , Chen Xiaolong , Saulys Chris , Kuan Jeff , Davies Mark , Diwan Ashish D.
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Increased intramedullary signal intensity (IISI) on T2 weighted MRI scan (T2WI) in patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) can be a radiological feature of spinal cord damage. However, the association of IISI to degeneration of the spinal column remains unclear in literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of IISI and analyze the independent relationship between IISI and cervical degenerative parameters in patients with and without DCM.
Methods
A retrospective review of MRI, X-ray, and radiology data for 144 adult patients with DCM with both cervical MRI and X-ray scans was conducted. A total of 39 patients with IISI was identified. The remaining 105 patients without IISI made up the control group.
Results
IISI was prevalent in 27.1% of patients and most frequent in C6-C7 cervical levels. The likelihood of having IISI was 1.947 (Exp(B) 1.947, 95%CI [1.004–3.776]) times higher in segmental levels with facet joint degeneration. There was an increased likelihood of IISI within the spinal cord with increasing age (Exp(B) 1.034, 95%CI [1.008–1.060]), maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC) (Exp(B) 1.038, 95%CI [1.003–1.075]), rotational angle (Exp(B) 1.082, 95%CI [1.020–1.148]) and posterior herniation width (Exp(B) 1.333, 95%CI [1.017–1.747]) and decreasing Torg-Pavlov ratio (Exp(B) 0.010, 95%CI [0.001–0.068]).
Conclusion
IISI had a prevalence in 27.1% of DCM patients. Increased age, facet joint degeneration, MSCC, rotational angle, posterior herniation width and decreasing Torg-Pavlov angle were found to be independently associated with IISI. Radiological degenerative changes associated with IISI indicate value in the assessment of patients with possible DCM.
Semi-classical physics based model in AlGaN/BGaN based Ultraviolet LED with p-AlGaN layer sandwiched around electron-blocking layer for droop-free efficiency
Authors: G Saranya , M Sivamangai N , J Ajayan , S Sreejith
Published: August 2023

This work reports the droop-free efficiency of an Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode (UV LED) of Multiple Quantum Well (MQW) with an Electron Blocking Layer (EBL) sandwiched with a p-AlGaN layer. In the proposed device structure, the BGaN Quantum Well's thickness and boron content are set at 3 nm and 10%, respectively. The simulation is carried out by using varius physical models such as K.P. model, Auger recombination model, Shcokley-Reed-Hall (SRH) recombination model, and Lorentz model are used to produce the realistic optical performances. Internal Quantum Efficiency, Output Luminous power, and radiative recombination rate are the variables examined in this study. Also, the polarization effect decreases due to the insertion of a thin p-AlGaN layer which in turn reduces electron leakage to the p-type layer while enhancing the efficiency of hole injection via intra-band tunneling. In order to understand the structures of radiative and non-radiative recombination mechanisms, a semi-classical physics-based model is created. It is discovered that the simsulated results and modeled data fit well with each other.
The Clinical Challenges of Diagnosing Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia vs Other Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Daffron Grayson , Ladenika Adetokunbo
Published: August 2023

This is a case of stark behavior change in a 59-year-old female intended to highlight the clinical care to be taken in diagnosing early-stage behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia against other primary psychiatric disorders. Frontotemporal dementia is considered to be the second most common dementia in those under the age of 65 behind early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Of frontotemporal dementia variants, the behavioral variant has the highest risk of resembling or being misdiagnosed as another psychiatric disorder in part because of symptomatic crossover. The patient in this case presented initially with assumed symptoms of major depressive disorder with catatonic features; however on deeper analysis a strong argument can be made for early stage frontotemporal dementia. Aspects such as family history of dementia, negative personal history of psychiatric disorder, later age of onset, strict use of diagnostic criteria and signs of a progressive course can all be useful in directing a clinician towards a diagnosis of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. Furthermore, the challenges of diagnosing the behavioral variant against other primary psychiatric disorders in the acute care setting will continue to require clinicians to take a step back in regards to patient history and the mental status exam. This case report will hopefully bring light to some of the areas of difficulty for this diagnosis and towards research that has been done to make the diagnosis of behavioral variant Frontotemporal dementia slightly less challenging on clinicians.