bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity, screen time and dietary behaviours in New Zealand adolescents prior to and following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mandic Sandra , Khan Asaduzzaman , García Bengoechea Enrique , Coppell Kirsten J. , Spence John C. , Smith Melody
Published: January 2024

Background

Insufficient physical activity, high screen time, and unhealthy dietary patterns among adolescents may have worsened during the pandemic, but data are lacking. This study compared physical activity, screen time and fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents from Dunedin, New Zealand, 5–6 years before (Study 1) and during (Study 2) the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Adolescents completed an online survey as part of the Built Environment and Active Transport to School (BEATS) studies in 2014/2015 (Study 1; n = 1,266; age: 15.3 ± 1.4 years; 54.6% female) and 2021/2022 (Study 2; n = 819; age: 15.2 ± 1.4 years; 47.4% female). The proportion of adolescents meeting guidelines for physical activity (≥ 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), outside school screen time (≤ 2 h/day) and fruit and vegetable intake (> 1 serving/day for both fruit and vegetables) was calculated. Data were analysed using multivariable linear and logistic regression modelling.

Results

Few adolescents met recommended health behaviour guidelines. Compared to Study 1, significantly greater proportions of adolescents at Study 2 met guidelines for physical activity (16.7% vs. 23.1%; p < 0.001) and outside school screen time (13.3% vs. 18.3%; p < 0.001) while fruit and vegetable intake was not different (29.6% vs. 27.0%; p = 0.322). Compared to Study 1, average outside school screen time at Study 2 was lower on both weekdays (5.0 ± 2.9 vs. 4.6 ± 2.9; p < 0.001) and weekend days (6.9 ± 3.5 vs. 6.1 ± 3.6 h/day; p < 0.001). Reported frequency of consuming sweets was higher and soft drinks lower at Study 2 versus Study 1.

Conclusions

Despite observed higher levels of physical activity and lower levels of outside school screen time during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic levels, few adolescents met health behaviour guidelines at both time points. Therefore, comprehensive health promotion that aims to improve physical activity levels, screen time and dietary patterns for adolescents is still necessary to prevent chronic health conditions adulthood.
Behavioural and nutritional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among the Ghanaian population- a cross-sectional study
Authors: Agyekum Francis , Folson Aba Ankomaba , Abaidoo Benjamin , Appiah Lambert Tetteh , Adu-Boakye Yaw , Ayetey Harold , Owusu Isaac Kofi
Published: January 2024

Background

Lifestyle behavioural risk factors have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease. Recent data have shown increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) burden in Ghana. This study aimed to describe the behavioural and nutritional risk factors for ASCVD among Ghanaians, and how these risk factors vary by ethnicity, demography and residence.

Methods

We used data from the Ghana Heart Study, a community-based cross-sectional study that recruited participants from eight communities from four regions using a multi-stage sampling technique. Information about various lifestyle behaviours (LBs), including cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, physical inactivity, and fruit and vegetable intake, was obtained using a questionnaire. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS statistics 25. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to test associations between demographic characteristics and various LBs.

Results

The participants' median (interquartile) age was 46.0 (27.0) years. Of the 1,106 participants (58% females, 80.4% urban dwellers), 8.6% reported using tobacco, 48.9% alcohol, 83.7% physically inactive, 81.4% and 84.9% inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, respectively. Age, sex, ethnicity, and religion were associated with tobacco use, whereas age, sex, educational level, marital status, ethnicity, employment status, and region of residence were associated with physical inactivity. Similarly, ethnicity, employment status, and residence region were associated with inadequate fruit and vegetable intake. Rural dwellers were more likely to be physically inactive and consume inadequate fruits and vegetables. Almost 92% had a combination of two or more LBs. The main predictors of two or more LBs for ASCVD were educational level, marital status, ethnicity, and employment status.

Conclusion

Lifestyle risk factors for ASCVD were highly prevalent in Ghana, with significant age, sex, ethnic, and regional differences. These risky lifestyle behaviors tend to occur together and must be considered in tailoring public health education.

Trial registration

The study was registered athttp://www.chictr.org.cnas ChiCTR1800017374.
Transvaginal extraperitoneal single-port laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for apical prolapse after total/subtotal hysterectomy: Chinese surgeons’ initial experience
Authors: Lu Zhiying , Chen Yisong , Xiao Chengzhen , Hua Keqin , Hu Changdong
Published: January 2024

Background

To introduce a novel technique of transvaginal extraperitoneal single-port laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (ESLS) for apical prolapse and to evaluate the feasibility and short-term outcomes of this technique.

Methods

Sixteen patients were enrolled to undergo ESLS between January 2020 and May 2021. Perioperative outcomes were included. Short-term results were assessed by Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) scores, mesh exposure and prolapse recurrence.

Results

A total of 14/16 cases (87.5%) were successfully completed. The mean operation time was 118 min (range 85–160), and the mean blood loss was 68 ml (range 20–100). The mean postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain score at 24 h was 0.7. No intraoperative complications occurred except for one patient who developed subcutaneous emphysema. All patients gained a significant improvement in both physical prolapse and quality of life at 12 months after surgery, and there was no mesh exposure or prolapse recurrence.

Conclusions

Our experience showed that transvaginal ESLS is a feasible and effective technique for apical prolapse with a previous hysterectomy. However, this technique should be performed by surgeons with extensive experience both in vaginal surgery and laparoscopic single-port surgery.
Efficacy of photodynamic therapy on candida colonization and clinical symptoms in denture stomatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Maweri Sadeq A. , Alhajj Mohammed Nasser , Anweigi Lamyia , Ashraf Sajna , Halboub Esam , Salleh Nosizana Mohd , Alanazi Rawan H. , Nassani Mohammad Zakaria , Noushad Mohammed , Al Khabuli Jumma O. , Shamala Anas
Published: January 2024

Background

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recently proposed as a promising alternative therapy for Denture Stomatitis (DS). The present systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the current available evidence regarding the efficacy of PDT in the management of DS.

Materials and methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest were searched up to June 7, 2023. All relevant clinical trials were included. RevMan software was used for the statistical analyses.

Results

Elven randomized clinical trials (460 DS patients) were included. Eight studies assessed the efficacy of PDT vs. topical antifungal therapy, while three studies assessed the adjunctive use of PDT (PDT + antifungal therapy) vs. topical antifungal therapy alone. The results revealed comparable efficacy of PDT and conventional antifungal therapy on candida colonization at 15 days (MD: 0.95, 95% CI: -0.28, 2.19, p = 0.13) and at the end of follow-up (MD: -0.17, 95% CI: -1.33, 0.98, p = 0.77). The pooled two studies revealed relatively better efficacy of adjunctive use of PDT with antifungal therapy on candida colonization compared to antifungal therapy alone at 15 days (MD: -6.67, 95% CI: -15.15, 1.82, p = 0.12), and at the end of follow-up (MD: -7.14, 95% CI: -19.78, 5.50, p = 0.27). Additionally, the results revealed comparable efficacy of PDT and topical antifungal therapy on the clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

PDT might be considered a viable option for DS either as an adjunct or as an alternative to the topical antifungal medications. Further studies with adequate sample sizes and standardized PDT parameters are warranted.
Evaluation of blood supply and metabolism in tumor, axillary lymph node and normal breast tissue with F-18 FDG PET/CT in breast cancer: comparison with pathological prognostic factors
Authors: Abdulrezzak Ummuhan , Akgun Hulya , Tutus Ahmet , Kula Mustafa , Dogan Serap , Oz Abdullah Bahadır , Ok Engin
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose

Perfusion parameters obtained in F-18 FDG PET/CT performed for staging purposes in breast cancers may provide additional information about tumor biology as well as glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate throughout F-18 FDG PET/CT the relationship between blood flow and glucose metabolism and histological parameters of the primary tumor, normal mammary gland, and axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients.

Materials and methods

Sixty six female patients (mean age 51 y ± 12,81) were prospectively included to this study. We performed dynamic blood flow (f) study that started with 296–444 MBq (8–12 mCi) F-18 FDG injection and lasted for 10 minutes, and glucose metabolism (m) imaging one hour later. On each frame, mean activity concentration (AC) values (Bq/mL) were recorded on a spherical volume of interest (VOI) having a volume of ~ 1 cm3 on the hottest voxel of primary tumor (T), across normal breast gland (NG) and ipsilaterally axillary lymph nodes (iLN). Correlations among PET parameters and estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (c-erbB2) and Ki67 index were analyzed.

Results

T volume (TV) ranged from 1.1 to 85.28 cm3 [median (IR): 6.44 (11.78)]. There were positive correlations between c-erbB2 and TACf and between c-erbB2 and iLNACf (p = 0.045, r = + 0.248; p = 0.050, r = + 0.242). In the ER positive (ERP) patients, TV and TACm were significantly lower than those of ER negative (ERN) (respectively p = 0.044 and p = 0.041). In patients with two positive Ki-67 indices, iLN-SUVmax was significantly higher than one-positive patients (p = 0.020). There was a negative correlation between NGACm and histological grade of tumor (p = 0.005, r = − 0.365).

Conclusions

Breast cancer shows differences in progression, metastasis and survival due to its diversity in terms of molecular, biological and angiogenesis. High glucose metabolism in breast cancers is associated with tumor aggressiveness. Being able to examine tumor tissue characteristics such as blood flow and glucose metabolism with a single diagnostic technique and to reveal its relationship with histological parameters can provide a reliable pretherapeutic evaluation in breast cancers.
TM-MC 2.0: an enhanced chemical database of medicinal materials in Northeast Asian traditional medicine
Authors: Kim Sang-Kyun , Lee Myung-Ku , Jang Ho , Lee Jeong-Ju , Lee Sanghun , Jang Yunji , Jang Hyunchul , Kim Anna
Published: January 2024

Background

As chromatographic techniques have advanced, many articles that analyze the constituting compounds of medicinal materials have been published in relation to Northeast Asian traditional medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TM-MC was launched in 2015, providing information about the chemical compounds in medicinal materials from chromatographic articles in PubMed. Since 2015, through continuous curation efforts, we have now released TM-MC 2.0 with significant improvements to the quantity and quality of the data (https://tm-mc.kr).

Description

TM-MC 2.0 contains 635 medicinal materials, 34,107 chemical compounds (21,306 identified and de-duplicated), 13,992 targets, 27,997 diseases, and 5,075 prescriptions (2,393 de-duplicated by name). The database provides the largest number of identified compounds for medicinal materials listed in the pharmacopoeia compared to all TCM databases. In particular, marker compounds of medicinal materials and many newly discovered compounds were added through the manual curation of recent chromatographic articles.

Conclusion

TM-MC 2.0 provides the largest collection of information about the chemical compounds of the medicinal materials listed in the Korean, Chinese, and Japanese pharmacopoeias. Our database can be utilized for network pharmacology in traditional medicine and for the compound screening of medicinal materials for modern drug discovery.
What do primary care providers want to know when caring for patients living with frailty? An analysis of eConsult communications between primary care providers and specialists
Authors: Karunananthan Sathya , Bonacci Giovanni , Fung Celeste , Huang Allen , Robert Benoit , McCutcheon Tess , Houghton Deanne , Hakimjavadi Ramtin , Keely Erin , Liddy Clare
Published: January 2024

Background

Frailty is a complex condition that primary care providers (PCPs) are managing in increasing numbers, yet there is no clear guidance or training for frailty care.

Objectives

The present study examined eConsult questions PCPs asked specialists about patients with frailty, the specialists’ responses, and the impact of eConsult on the care of these patients.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

ChamplainBASE™ eConsult located in Eastern Ontario, Canada.

Participants

Sixty one eConsult cases closed by PCPs in 2019 that use the terms “frail” or “frailty” to describe patients 65 years of age or older.

Measurements

The Taxonomy of Generic Clinical Questions (TGCQ) was used to classify PCP questions and the International Classification for Primary Care 3 (ICPC-3) was used to classify the clinical content of each eConsult. The impact of eConsult on patient care was measured by PCP responses to a mandatory survey.

Results

PCPs most frequently directed their questions to cardiology (n = 7; 11%), gastroenterology (n = 7; 11%), and endocrinology (n = 6; 10%). Specialist answers most often pertained to medications (n = 63, 46%), recommendations for clinical investigation (n = 24, 17%), and diagnoses (n = 22, 16%). Specialist responses resulted in PCPs avoiding referral in 57% (n = 35) of cases whereas referrals were still required in 15% (n = 9) of cases. Specialists responded to eConsults in a median 1.11 days (IQR = 0.3–4.7), and 95% (n = 58) of cases received a response within 7 days. Specialists recorded a median of 15 min to respond (IQR = 10–20), with a median cost of $50.00 CAD (IQR = 33.33 – 66.66) per eConsult.

Conclusions

Through the analysis of questions and responses submitted to eConsult, this study provides novel information on PCP knowledge gaps and approaches to care for patients living with frailty. Furthermore, these analyses provide evidence that eConsult is a feasible and valuable tool for improving care for patients with frailty in primary care settings.
A retrospective analysis of adverse events reported by Tunisian intensive care units’ professionals
Authors: Tlili Mohamed Ayoub , Aouicha Wiem , Gambashidze Nikoloz , Ben Cheikh Asma , Sahli Jihene , Weigl Matthias , Mtiraoui Ali , Chelbi Souad , Said Laatiri Houyem , Mallouli Manel
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Adverse events (AEs) that occur in hospitals remain a challenge worldwide, and especially in intensive care units (ICUs) where they are more likely to occur. Monitoring of AEs can provide insight into the status and advances of patient safety. This study aimed to examine the AEs reported during the 20 months after the implementation of the AE reporting system.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a voluntary ICU AE reporting system. Incidents were reported by the staff from ten ICUs in the Sahloul University Hospital (Tunisia) between February 2020 and September 2021.

Results

A total of 265 reports were received, of which 61.9% were deemed preventable. The most frequently reported event was healthcare-associated infection (30.2%, n = 80), followed by pressure ulcers (18.5%, n = 49). At the time of reporting, 25 patients (9.4%) had died as a result of an AE and in 51.3% of cases, the event had resulted in an increased length of stay. Provider-related factors contributed to 64.2% of the events, whilst patient-related factors contributed to 53.6% of the events. As for criticality, 34.3% of the events (n = 91) were unacceptable (c3) and 36.3% of the events (n = 96) were ‘acceptable under control’ (c2).

Conclusions

The reporting system provided rich information on the characteristics of reported AEs that occur in ICUs and their consequences and may be therefore useful for designing effective and evidence-based interventions to reduce the occurrence of AEs.
Proteome profiling of enriched membrane-associated proteins unraveled a novel sophorose and cello-oligosaccharide transporter in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Nogueira Karoline Maria Vieira , Mendes Vanessa , Kamath Karthik Shantharam , Cheruku Anusha , Oshiquiri Letícia Harumi , de Paula Renato Graciano , Carraro Claudia , Pedersoli Wellington Ramos , Pereira Lucas Matheus Soares , Vieira Luiz Carlos , Steindorff Andrei Stecca , Amirkhani Ardeshir , McKay Matthew J. , Nevalainen Helena , Molloy Mark P. , Silva Roberto N.
Published: January 2024

Background

Trichoderma reesei is an organism extensively used in the bioethanol industry, owing to its capability to produce enzymes capable of breaking down holocellulose into simple sugars. The uptake of carbohydrates generated from cellulose breakdown is crucial to induce the signaling cascade that triggers cellulase production. However, the sugar transporters involved in this process in T. reesei remain poorly identified and characterized.

Results

To address this gap, this study used temporal membrane proteomics analysis to identify five known and nine putative sugar transporters that may be involved in cellulose degradation by T. reesei. Docking analysis pointed out potential ligands for the putative sugar transporter Tr44175. Further functional validation of this transporter was carried out in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results showed that Tr44175 transports a variety of sugar molecules, including cellobiose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, and sophorose.

Conclusion

This study has unveiled a transporter Tr44175 capable of transporting cellobiose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, and sophorose. Our study represents the first inventory of T. reesei sugar transportome once exposed to cellulose, offering promising potential targets for strain engineering in the context of bioethanol production.
Effects of workload and saddle height on muscle activation of the lower limb during cycling
Authors: Bing Fangbo , Zhang Guoxin , Wang Yan , Zhang Ming
Published: January 2024

Background

Cycling workload is an essential factor in practical cycling training. Saddle height is the most studied topic in bike fitting, but the results are controversial. This study aims to investigate the effects of workload and saddle height on the activation level and coordination of the lower limb muscles during cycling.

Methods

Eighteen healthy male participants with recreational cycling experience performed 15 × 2-min constant cadence cycling at five saddle heights of 95%, 97%, 100%, 103%, and 105% of greater trochanter height (GTH) and three cycling workloads of 25%, 50%, and 75% of functional threshold power (FTP). The EMG signals of the rectus femoris (RF), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) of the right lower limb were collected throughout the experiment.

Results

Greater muscle activation was observed for the RF and BF at a higher cycling workload, whereas no differences were observed for the TA and MG. The MG showed intensified muscle activation as the saddle height increased. The mean and maximum amplitudes of the EMG signals of the MG increased by 56.24% and 57.24% at the 25% FTP workload, 102.71% and 126.95% at the 50% FTP workload, and 84.27% and 53.81% at the 75% FTP workload, respectively, when the saddle height increased from 95 to 100% of the GTH. The muscle activation level of the RF was minimal at 100% GTH saddle height. The onset and offset timing revealed few significant differences across cycling conditions.

Conclusions

Muscle activation of the RF and BF was affected by cycling workload, while that of the MG was affected by saddle height. The 100% GTH is probably the appropriate saddle height for most cyclists. There was little statistical difference in muscle activation duration, which might be related to the small workload.
Patient-specific signaling signatures predict optimal therapeutic combinations for triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Alkhatib Heba , Conage-Pough Jason , Roy Chowdhury Sangita , Shian Denen , Zaid Deema , Rubinstein Ariel M. , Sonnenblick Amir , Peretz-Yablonsky Tamar , Granit Avital , Carmon Einat , Kohale Ishwar N. , Boughey Judy C. , Goetz Matthew P. , Wang Liewei , White Forest M. , Kravchenko-Balasha Nataly
Published: January 2024

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous group of tumors which lack estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 expression. Targeted therapies have limited success in treating TNBC, thus a strategy enabling effective targeted combinations is an unmet need. To tackle these challenges and discover individualized targeted combination therapies for TNBC, we integrated phosphoproteomic analysis of altered signaling networks with patient-specific signaling signature (PaSSS) analysis using an information-theoretic, thermodynamic-based approach. Using this method on a large number of TNBC patient-derived tumors (PDX), we were able to thoroughly characterize each PDX by computing a patient-specific set of unbalanced signaling processes and assigning a personalized therapy based on them. We discovered that each tumor has an average of two separate processes, and that, consistent with prior research, EGFR is a major core target in at least one of them in half of the tumors analyzed. However, anti-EGFR monotherapies were predicted to be ineffective, thus we developed personalized combination treatments based on PaSSS. These were predicted to induce anti-EGFR responses or to be used to develop an alternative therapy if EGFR was not present.

In-vivo experimental validation of the predicted therapy showed that PaSSS predictions were more accurate than other therapies. Thus, we suggest that a detailed identification of molecular imbalances is necessary to tailor therapy for each TNBC. In summary, we propose a new strategy to design personalized therapy for TNBC using pY proteomics and PaSSS analysis. This method can be applied to different cancer types to improve response to the biomarker-based treatment.
Cardiac dimensions and hemodynamics in healthy juvenile Landrace swine
Authors: Galbas Michelle Costa , Straky Hendrik Cornelius , Meissner Florian , Reuter Johanna , Schimmel Marius , Grundmann Sebastian , Czerny Martin , Bothe Wolfgang
Published: January 2024

Background

Swine are frequently used as animal model for cardiovascular research, especially in terms of representativity of human anatomy and physiology. Reference values for the most common species used in research are important for planning and execution of animal testing. Transesophageal echocardiography is the gold standard for intraoperative imaging, but can be technically challenging in swine. Its predecessor, epicardial echocardiography (EE), is a simple and fast intraoperative imaging technique, which allows comprehensive and goal-directed assessment. However, there are few echocardiographic studies describing echocardiographic parameters in juvenile swine, none of them using EE. Therefore, in this study, we provide a comprehensive dataset on multiple geometric and functional echocardiographic parameters, as well as basic hemodynamic parameters in swine using EE.

Methods

The data collection was performed during animal testing in ten female swine (German Landrace, 104.4 ± 13.0 kg) before left ventricular assist device implantation. Hemodynamic data was recorded continuously, before and during EE. The herein described echocardiographic measurements were acquired according to a standardized protocol, encompassing apical, left ventricular short axis and long axis as well as epiaortic windows. In total, 50 echocardiographic parameters and 10 hemodynamic parameters were assessed.

Results

Epicardial echocardiography was successfully performed in all animals, with a median screening time of 14 min (interquartile range 11–18 min). Referring to left ventricular function, ejection fraction was 51.6 ± 5.9% and 51.2 ± 6.2% using the Teichholz and Simpson methods, respectively. Calculated ventricular mass was 301.1 ± 64.0 g, as the left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters were 35.3 ± 2.5 mm and 48.2 ± 3.5 mm, respectively. The mean heart rate was 103 ± 28 bpm, mean arterial pressure was 101 ± 20 mmHg and mean flow at the common carotid artery was 627 ± 203 mL/min.

Conclusion

Epicardial echocardiography allows comprehensive assessment of most common echocardiographic parameters. Compared to humans, there are important differences in swine with respect to ventricular mass, size and wall thickness, especially in the right heart. Most hemodynamic parameters were comparable between swine and humans. This data supports study planning, animal and device selection, reinforcing the three R principles in animal research.

Graphical Abstract
Epidemiology and genotypes analysis of human papillomavirus infection in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Jiao , Li Haotian , Zhang Jieqiong , Wang Hui , Li Ying , Liu Zhaohui , Liu Hongtu
Published: January 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in the female population in Beijing, China, and identify the relationship between HPV genotypes and host factors.

Methods

HPV testing was performed on women aged 15–89 (mean age 38.0 ± 10.9 years) from Beijing in 2020. High-risk HPV genotyping real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine HPV genotypes. The overall prevalence, age-specific prevalence, genotype distribution, and the correlation between HPV genotypes and cervical cytology were analyzed.

Results

Among the 25,344 study participants, the single and double infection rates were 18.8% (4,777/25,344) and 4.2% (1,072/25,344), respectively. A total of 6,119 HPV-positive individuals were found to have 91.6% negative results for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), 5.8% atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), 0.9% low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), and 1.7% high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). In single HPV infections, the HPV16 genotype was highly associated with cervical cytology severity (χ2 trend = 172.487, P < 0.001). Additionally, HPV infection rates increased gradually with age, and statistical differences were observed across age groups (χ2 = 180.575; P < 0.001). High-risk HPV genotypes were highly prevalent in women below 25 years of age and those aged 55–59 years. Cluster analysis revealed that the 13 HPV genotypes could be roughly divided into two groups in a single infection; however, patterns of infection consistent with biological characteristics were not observed.

Conclusion

High-risk HPV was found in 24.1% of outpatients, with HPV52, HPV58, HPV16, HPV39, and HPV51 being the most common high-risk genotypes. Single high-risk HPV infection was predominant. HPV16, HPV39, HPV51, and HPV52 were associated with cervical lesion progression. HPV16 infection was especially worrying since it aggravates cervical lesions. Because the infection rates of the 13 HPV genotypes differed by age, the peak HPV infection rate should not guide vaccination, screening, and prevention programs. Instead, these initiatives should be tailored based on the regional HPV distribution characteristics. Moreover, it was determined that Beijing’s populace needed to receive treatment for HPV39 infection.
Clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion and modified posterior lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease
Authors: Liu Zhengping , Wang Siyu , Li Tao , Chen Si , Li Ying , Xie Wei , Tang Jin
Published: January 2024

Background

To compare the early clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PE-PLIF) and modified posterior lumbar interbody fusion (MPLIF) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease (LDD).

Methods

A total of 37 patients who underwent PE-PLIF and 58 patients who underwent MPLIF from March 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, post-operative hospitalization time, and post-operative bedrest time were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of leg pain and low back pain, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were evaluated and compared before the operation, 3 days after the operation, 1 week after the operation, 1 month after the operation, 6 months after the operation and at the last follow-up. The modified MacNab’s criteria were applied at the last follow-up. The fusion rate and surgical-related complications during follow-up were recorded.

Results

The average operation time in the PE-PLIF group was highly significant longer than that in the MPLIF group (P < 0.01). The intraoperative blood loss, post-operative hospitalization time, and post-operative bedrest time were significantly less in the PE-PLIF group than those in the MPLIF group (P < 0.01). There were highly significant differences in VAS scores of leg pain, VAS scores of low back pain, JOA scores, ODI scores at the last follow-up compared with those before the operation in the two groups (P < 0.01). Three days after the operation and 1 week after the operation, the VAS scores for low back pain and ODI were highly significant less in the PE-PLIF group than that in the MPLIF group (P < 0.01). Three days after the operation, the JOA scores were highly significant higher in the PE-PLIF group than that in the MPLIF group (P < 0.01). All patients showed intervertebral fusion at 6 months after the operation. Two patients (5.4%) in the PE-PLIF group experienced complications.

Conclusion

Both PE-PLIF and MPLIF surgery were clinically effective and safe for patients with single-segment LDD. PE-PLIF surgery is a promising technique that can be used as an alternative treatment for single-segment LDD.
Multimodal epigenetic sequencing analysis (MESA) of cell-free DNA for non-invasive colorectal cancer detection
Authors: Li Yumei , Xu Jianfeng , Chen Chaorong , Lu Zhenhai , Wan Desen , Li Diange , Li Jason S. , Sorg Allison J. , Roberts Curt C. , Mahajan Shivani , Gallant Maxime A. , Pinkoviezky Itai , Cui Ya , Taggart David J. , Li Wei
Published: January 2024

Background

Detecting human cancers through cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood is a sensitive and non-invasive option. However, capturing multiple forms of epigenetic information remains a technical and financial challenge.

Methods

To address this, we developed multimodal epigenetic sequencing analysis (MESA), a flexible and sensitive approach to capturing and integrating a diverse range of epigenetic features in cfDNA using a single experimental assay, i.e., non-disruptive bisulfite-free methylation sequencing, such as Enzymatic Methyl-seq. MESA enables simultaneous inference of four epigenetic modalities: cfDNA methylation, nucleosome occupancy, nucleosome fuzziness, and windowed protection score for regions surrounding gene promoters and polyadenylation sites.

Results

When applied to 690 cfDNA samples from 3 colorectal cancer clinical cohorts, MESA’s novel modalities, which include nucleosome fuzziness, and genomic features, including polyadenylation sites, improve cancer detection beyond the traditional epigenetic markers of promoter DNA methylation.

Conclusions

Together, MESA stands as a major advancement in the field by utilizing comprehensive and complementary epigenetic profiles of cfDNA for effective non-invasive cancer detection.
The impact of damaging epilepsy and cardiac genetic variant burden in sudden death in the young
Authors: Puckelwartz Megan J. , Pesce Lorenzo L. , Hernandez Edgar J. , Webster Gregory , Dellefave-Castillo Lisa M. , Russell Mark W. , Geisler Sarah S. , Kearns Samuel D. , Karthik Felix , Etheridge Susan P. , Monroe Tanner O. , Pottinger Tess D. , Kannankeril Prince J. , Shoemaker M. Benjamin , Fountain Darlene , Roden Dan M. , Faulkner Meghan , MacLeod Heather M. , Burns Kristin M. , Yandell Mark , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , George Alfred L. , McNally Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Sudden unexpected death in children is a tragic event. Understanding the genetics of sudden death in the young (SDY) enables family counseling and cascade screening. The objective of this study was to characterize genetic variation in an SDY cohort using whole genome sequencing.

Methods

The SDY Case Registry is a National Institutes of Health/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance effort to discern the prevalence, causes, and risk factors for SDY. The SDY Case Registry prospectively collected clinical data and DNA biospecimens from SDY cases < 20 years of age. SDY cases were collected from medical examiner and coroner offices spanning 13 US jurisdictions from 2015 to 2019. The cohort included 211 children (median age 0.33 year; range 0–20 years), determined to have died suddenly and unexpectedly and from whom DNA biospecimens for DNA extractions and next-of-kin consent were ascertained. A control cohort consisted of 211 randomly sampled, sex- and ancestry-matched individuals from the 1000 Genomes Project. Genetic variation was evaluated in epilepsy, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia genes in the SDY and control cohorts. American College of Medical Genetics/Genomics guidelines were used to classify variants as pathogenic or likely pathogenic. Additionally, pathogenic and likely pathogenic genetic variation was identified using a Bayesian-based artificial intelligence (AI) tool.

Results

The SDY cohort was 43% European, 29% African, 3% Asian, 16% Hispanic, and 9% with mixed ancestries and 39% female. Six percent of the cohort was found to harbor a pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic variant in an epilepsy, cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmia gene. The genomes of SDY cases, but not controls, were enriched for rare, potentially damaging variants in epilepsy, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia-related genes. A greater number of rare epilepsy genetic variants correlated with younger age at death.

Conclusions

While damaging cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia genes are recognized contributors to SDY, we also observed an enrichment in epilepsy-related genes in the SDY cohort and a correlation between rare epilepsy variation and younger age at death. These findings emphasize the importance of considering epilepsy genes when evaluating SDY.
Agenesis of the right lobe of the liver: a case report
Authors: Feleke Ashenafi Amsalu , Birhanu Friehiwot Amsalu , Tirfe Fraol Worku , Molla Yohannis Derbew
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Agenesis of the right hepatic lobe is a rare congenital anomaly. Developmental anomalies of the right lobe of the liver were first reported in 1870 by Heller [6]. Anatomical variations of the liver are common, occur during the normal development of the organ, and correspond to variations in the distribution of liver territories. Agenesis of the right lobe of the liver is an incidental finding revealed by the popularization of ultrasonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging due to the condition being asymptomatic.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old Ethiopian female patient presented to the outpatient clinic with a complaint of right upper abdominal pain for 1 year, along with symptoms of fatty meal intolerance and long-standing epigastric burning pain. Her examination was unremarkable, and imaging investigations were suggestive of right hepatic lobe agenesis with multiple gallstones. Therefore, the patient was operated on and discharged with no perioperative complications.

Conclusion

Surgical understanding of such anatomical anomalies is necessary for surgical planning, the appropriate interpretation of intraoperative surgical findings, and the design of postoperative therapy. Here we report a case of right hepatic lobe agenesis with cholelithiasis and cholidocholithiasis and a brief review of right lobe agenesis in the literature.
Mechanical ventilation as a major driver of COVID-19 hospitalization costs: a costing study in a German setting
Authors: Zwerwer Leslie R. , Kloka Jan , van der Pol Simon , Postma Maarten J. , Zacharowski Kai , van Asselt Antoinette D. I. , Friedrichson Benjamin
Published: January 2024

Background

While COVID-19 hospitalization costs are essential for policymakers to make informed health care resource decisions, little is known about these costs in western Europe. The aim of the current study is to analyze these costs for a German setting, track the development of these costs over time and analyze the daily costs.

Methods

Administrative costing data was analyzed for 598 non-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and 510 ICU patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Frankfurt University hospital. Descriptive statistics of total per patient hospitalization costs were obtained and assessed over time. Propensity scores were estimated for length of stay (LOS) at the general ward and mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, using covariate balancing propensity score for continuous treatment. Costs for each additional day in the general ward and each additional day in the ICU with and without MV were estimated by regressing the total hospitalization costs on the LOS and the presence or absence of several treatments using generalized linear models, while controlling for patient characteristics, comorbidities, and complications.

Results

Median total per patient hospitalization costs were €3,010 (Q1 – Q3: €2,224—€5,273), €5,887 (Q1 – Q3: €3,054—€10,879) and €21,536 (Q1 – Q3: €7,504—€43,480), respectively, for non-ICU patients, non-MV and MV ICU patients. Total per patient hospitalization costs for non-ICU patients showed a slight increase over time, while total per patient hospitalization costs for ICU patients decreased over time. Each additional day in the general ward for non-ICU COVID-19 patients costed €463.66 (SE: 15.89). Costs for each additional day in the general ward and ICU without and with mechanical ventilation for ICU patients were estimated at €414.20 (SE: 22.17), €927.45 (SE: 45.52) and €2,224.84 (SE: 70.24).

Conclusions

This is, to our knowledge, the first study examining the costs of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Germany. Estimated costs were overall in agreement with costs found in literature for non-COVID-19 patients, except for higher estimated costs for mechanical ventilation. These estimated costs can potentially improve the precision of COVID-19 cost effectiveness studies in Germany and will thereby allow health care policymakers to provide better informed health care resource decisions in the future.
Epigenetic reshaping through damage: promoting cell fate transition by BrdU and IdU incorporation
Authors: Li Chuang , Xu Xiaoduo , Chen Shuyan , Xu Anchun , Guan Tongxing , Wu Haokaifeng , Pei Duanqing , Liu Jing
Published: January 2024

Background

Thymidine analogs have long been recognized for their ability to randomly incorporate into DNA. However, the precise mechanisms through which thymidine analogs facilitate cell fate transition remains unclear.

Results

Here, we discovered a strong correlation between the dosage dependence of thymidine analogs and their ability to overcome reprogramming barrier. The extraembryonic endoderm (XEN) state seems to be a cell's selective response to DNA damage repair (DDR), offering a shortcut to overcome reprogramming barriers. Meanwhile, we found that homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway causes an overall epigenetic reshaping of cells and enabling them to overcome greater barriers. This response leads to the creation of a hypomethylated environment, which facilitates the transition of cell fate in various reprogramming systems. We term this mechanism as Epigenetic Reshaping through Damage (ERD).

Conclusion

Overall, our study finds that BrdU/IdU can activate the DNA damage repair pathway (HRR), leading to increased histone acetylation and genome-wide DNA demethylation, regulating somatic cell reprogramming. This offers valuable insights into mechanisms underlying cell fate transition.

Graphical Abstract
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Future of low back pain: unravelling IVD components and MSCs’ potential
Authors: Leão Monteiro Raquel
Published: January 2024

Low back pain (LBP) mainly emerges from intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, the failing mechanism of IVD ́s components, like the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP), leading to IVD degeneration/herniation is still poorly understood. Moreover, the specific role of cellular populations and molecular pathways involved in the inflammatory process associated with IVD herniation remains to be highlighted. The limited knowledge of inflammation associated with the initial steps of herniation and the lack of suitable models to mimic human IVD ́s complexity are some of the reasons for that. It has become essential to enhance the knowledge of cellular and molecular key players for AF and NP cells during inflammatory-driven degeneration. Due to unique properties of immunomodulation and pluripotency, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attained diverse recognition in this field of bone and cartilage regeneration. MSCs therapy has been particularly valuable in facilitating repair of damaged tissues and may benefit in mitigating inflammation’ degenerative events. Therefore, this review article conducts comprehensive research to further understand the intertwine between the mechanisms of action of IVD components and therapeutic potential of MSCs, exploring their characteristics, how to optimize their use and establish them safely in distinct settings for LPB treatment.
Support interventions to promote health and wellbeing among women with health-related consequences following traumatic experiences linked to armed conflicts and forced migration: a scoping review
Authors: Jolof Linda , Rocca Patricia , Carlsson Tommy
Published: January 2024

Background

Women exposed to armed conflicts and forced migration face significant health-related risks and consequences. Consequently, there is a need to identify and develop effective interventions that provide tailored support for them. The aim of this scoping review was to examine research evaluating support interventions promoting the health and well-being among women with traumatic experiences linked to armed conflict and/or forced migration.

Methods

A scoping review of empirical studies evaluating non-pharmacologic/non-surgical interventions promoting health and well-being among adult women with traumatic experiences linked to armed, torture, and/or forced migration, identified through systematic searches in February 2022 within five databases (AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and PubMed). Methodological characteristics and results were extracted and analyzed with narrative analysis using tabulations, descriptive statistics, text-based summaries, and thematization.

Results

Assessment of 16 748 records resulted in 13 included reports. The methodological approaches were quantitative (n = 9), qualitative (n = 2), and mixed methods (n = 2), with most reports being feasibility/pilot studies (n = 5) and/or randomized controlled trials (n = 4). The most common recruitment strategy was non-probability sampling (n = 8). Most interventions were conducted in North America (n = 4), Asia (n = 3) or Middle East (n = 3). Thirteen intra-intervention techniques and five categories of components utilized within the interventions were identified, the most common being skill building (n = 12). Ten developed the interventions through theoretical frameworks or manuals/therapy, while five developed interventions through public or stakeholder involvement. Eleven studies evaluated outcomes related to psychological health, disorders, or distress. A large proportion of the investigated outcomes showed post-exposure improvements and improvements when compared with controls. Qualitative findings highlighted improved mental and physical health, empowerment and stigma reduction, and enhanced knowledge.

Conclusion

Few studies have developed and evaluated tailored support interventions for this population, containing a range of components and intra-intervention techniques. No clear focus was identified regarding outcome measures, and most studies used non-probability sampling. Few developed interventions through public contribution in collaboration with women. While limited studies show promising effects on women’s mental health, more empirical intervention research that closely corresponds to women’s needs are needed.
Epigenetic characterization of sarcopenia-associated genes based on machine learning and network screening
Authors: Chen Yong , Zhang Zhenyu , Hu Xiaolan , Zhang Yang
Published: January 2024

To screen characteristic genes related to sarcopenia by bioinformatics and machine learning, and to verify the accuracy of characteristic genes in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Download myopia-related data sets from geo public database, find the differential genes through R language limma package after merging, STRING database to build protein interaction network, and do Go analysis and GSEA analysis to understand the functions and molecular signal pathways that may be affected by the differential genes. Further screen the characteristic genes through LASSO and SVM-RFE machine algorithms, make the ROC curve of the characteristic genes, and obtain the AUC value. 10 differential genes were obtained from the data set, including 7 upregulated genes and 3 downregulated genes. Eight characteristic genes were screened by a machine learning algorithm, and the AUC value of characteristic genes exceeded 0.7. In patients with sarcopenia, the expression of TPPP3, C1QA, LGR5, MYH8, and CDKN1A genes are upregulated, and the expression of SLC38A1, SERPINA5, and HOXB2 genes are downregulated. The above genes have high accuracy in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. The research results provide new ideas for the diagnosis and mechanism research of sarcopenia.
The future of organic certification: potential impacts of the inclusion of Participatory Guarantee Systems in the European organic regulation
Authors: Sacchi Giovanna , Romanello Lavinia , Canavari Maurizio
Published: January 2024

Third-party certification (TPC) is the standard approach to quality assurance for organic production, but its administrative burden and cost make it difficult for smallholders to access it. Internal Control Systems (ICS) and Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) are possible alternative approaches because they are more accessible and less costly. Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production allows ICS for small farmers. However, PGS are not included, despite being promoted by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and officially recognised by several countries worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the possible future inclusion of PGS at the European level. Twenty-eight experts participated in a Delphi exercise, and both optimistic and pessimistic views were agreed upon amongst them. In the pessimistic view, bureaucratic excess and standardisation requirements needed in the process of PGS institutionalisation could emerge, resulting in even more rigid practices compared to the current ones. In the optimistic view, recognising PGS as a legitimate approach to guarantee the quality of organic products could foster the inclusion of smallholders by lowering certification costs, increasing cohesion and competencies amongst rural development actors and increasing the reputation of PGS-certified local products.