bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in the association of childhood sexual abuse severity with premarital sex among Chinese college students in Luzhou, China
Authors: Rong Zhang , Jing He , Lin Yang , Rongzhe Cao , Maoxu Liao , Xin Lin , Ping Zhou
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The adverse health consequences of premarital sex and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are both global public health problems. Based on a random sample of college students from a Chinese city, this study investigated the relationship between CSA severity and premarital sex among students, focusing on sex differences.

Methods

A total of 2722 college students from 4 schools in Luzhou were recruited by multistage random sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were used to measure CSA experiences and premarital sex. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyse the relationship between CSA and premarital sex.

Results

The prevalence of CSA was 9.39%, and that of mild, moderate and severe CSA was 4.04%, 2.90% and 2.46%, respectively. The premarital sex reporting rate was 22.42%. After adjusting for confounding variables, CSA was positively associated with premarital sex. Notably, a cumulative effect of CSA on premarital sex was observed among students. Further stratification analyses showed that males who experienced CSA had a higher premarital sex rate than females, and this sex difference was also observed among students with different CSA severities.

Conclusion

CSA and its severity were associated with premarital sex among college students. Furthermore, this association was stronger for males than females. Therefore, it is important to emphasize CSA prevention, especially for boys. These findings can promote understanding of the effects of CSA on premarital sex, and CSA prevention and intervention strategies should consider CSA severity and sex differences.
Dietary carotenoids intake and sex differences in relation to chronic kidney disease a cross-sectional assessment in the NHANES study
Authors: Shi Yumeng , Xu Yanjie , Zhou Wei
Published: January 2024

Background and aims

Current evidence on the relationship between dietary carotenoids intake (DCI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited. Moreover, whether there is an association between DCI and prevalence of CKD and how this association might be impacted by sex is not clear.

Methods and results

Overall, 4507 women and 4396 men were included for analysis. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional survey carried out in the USA. The exposure factor for this analysis was DCI. The outcome was CKD, defined as eGFR < 60mL/min/1.73 m2. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyzed the associations of DCI and prevalence of CKD both in men and women. There was a significant inverse association between higher DCI and prevalence of CKD only among females. Per LgDCI unit increment, the multivariable adjusted odd ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) for prevalence of CKD was 0.72 (0.58, 0.90) in females and 0.95 (0.77, 1.18) in males. When compared with the lowest quartile, the ORs of the highest quartile of DCI for prevalence of CKD were 0.59 (0.40, 0.87) in females and 0.87 (0.60, 1.26) in males. The associations remained similar in the subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that a higher intake of dietary carotenoids is associated with a lower prevalence of CKD in women, but not in men.
Adverse childhood experience and persistent insomnia during emerging adulthood: do positive childhood experiences matter?
Authors: Wu Meng-Hsuan , Chiao Chi , Lin Wen-Hsu
Published: January 2024

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) have been documented to have long-term impacts on sleep disturbances. However, less is known about how ACE co-occurs with positive childhood experiences (PCE) and modulate their effects on adult sleep disturbances, particularly in the context of persistent insomnia. Building on resilience theory, this study aims to examine the interplay between ACE and PCE and their effects on persistent insomnia during emerging adulthood.

Methods

A total of 2,841 emerging adults were recruited from the Taiwan Youth Project. Persistent insomnia during emerging adulthood was assessed using two adult surveys (mean age = 19.8 and 21.9). The ACE (10 items) and PCE (7 items) were obtained from the baseline survey (mean age = 13.8). A series of logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Among the emerging adults, 29.22% had persistent insomnia. Consistent with the compensatory model, ACE and PCE exerted opposing effects on persistent insomnia during emerging adulthood. In line with the protective model, the negative effect of ACE is mitigated when individuals have high PCE. However, consistent with the challenge model, the protective effect of PCE on persistent insomnia was inhibited in individuals with four or more ACE.

Conclusions

PCE serves as a protective factor, shielding emerging adults from the adverse effects of ACE on persistent insomnia. It is essential to prioritize positive experiences during early life to promote lifelong sleep health.
Direct benefit transfer for nutritional support of patients with TB in India—analysis of national TB program data of 3.7 million patients, 2018–2022
Authors: Jeyashree Kathiresan , Shanmugasundaram Prema , Shanmugasundaram Devika , Priya G Sri Lakshmi , Thangaraj Jeromie W V , TS Sumitha , Pandey Sumit , Ramasamy Sabarinathan , Sharma Rahul , Arunachalam Sivavallinathan , Shah Vaibhav , Janagaraj Venkateshprabhu , Sundari S Sivakami , Chadwick Joshua , Shewade Hemant Deepak , Chowdhury Aniket , Iyer Swati , Rao Raghuram , Mattoo Sanjay K , Murhekar Manoj V
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients with TB have additional nutritional requirements and thus additional costs to the household. Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana(NPY) is a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme(NTEP) in India which offers INR 500 monthly to all notified patients with TB for nutritional support during the period of anti-TB treatment. Five years after its implementation, we conducted the first nationwide evaluation of NPY.

Methods

In our retrospective cohort study using programmatic data of patients notified with TB in nine randomly selected Indian states between 2018 and 2022, we estimated the proportion of patients who received at least one NPY instalment and the median time to receive the first instalment. We determined the factors associated (i) with non-receipt of NPY using a generalised linear model with Poisson family and log link and (ii) with time taken to receive first NPY benefit in 2022 using quantile regression at 50th percentile.

Results

Overall, 3,712,551 patients were notified between 2018 and 2022. During this period, the proportion who received at least one NPY instalment had increased from 56.9% to 76.1%. Non-receipt was significantly higher among patients notified by private sector (aRR 2.10;2.08,2.12), reactive for HIV (aRR 1.69;1.64,1.74) and with missing/undetermined diabetic status (aRR 2.02;1.98,2.05). The median(IQR) time to receive the first instalment had reduced from 200(109,331) days in 2018 to 91(51,149) days in 2022. Patients from private sector(106.9;106.3,107.4days), those with HIV-reactive (103.7;101.8,105.7days), DRTB(104.6;102.6,106.7days) and missing/undetermined diabetic status (115.3;114,116.6days) experienced longer delays.

Conclusions

The coverage of NPY among patients with TB had increased and the time to receipt of benefit had halved in the past five years. Three-fourths of the patients received at least one NPY instalment, more than half of whom had waited over three months to receive the first instalment. NTEP has to focus on timely transfer of benefits to enable patients to meet their additional nutritional demands, experience treatment success and avoid catastrophic expenditure.
Cultural capital, the digital divide, and the health of older adults: a moderated mediation effect test
Authors: Cui Yupeng , He Youshi , Xu Xinglong , Zhou Lulin , Nutakor Jonathan Aseye , Zhao Lingqing
Published: January 2024

Background

It is of great practical significance to study the intrinsic relationship between cultural capital, digital divide, cognitive ability, and health of older adults in the dual social context of population aging and the digital era.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) initiated by the China Center for Social Science Surveys at Peking University. Physical health, mental health, and memory health were set as indicators of older adults, and the relationship between cultural capital, digital divide, cognitive ability, and health of older adults was examined by hierarchical regression with moderated mediated effect methods.

Results

Improvement in the health of older adults is associated with an increase in the level of cultural capital; cultural capital may bridge the digital divide faced by older adults, which in turn promotes the improvement of the health of older adults; the higher the level of cognitive ability, the stronger the effect of cultural capital on the digital divide, and at the same time, the stronger the mediating effect of the digital divide; cultural capital has a more pronounced effect on the health of older male adults living in the city.

Conclusions

The results of the study show that cultural capital can have a positive impact on the health of older adults, but there is urban-rural heterogeneity and gender heterogeneity, in which the digital divide plays a mediating role, and the enhancement of the cognitive ability of older adults will be conducive to the improvement of their health, so the health of older adults should be promoted by improving the level of their cultural capital and the ability of older adults to use digital technology, thus provide references for the protection of health of older adults.
Alteration in ACL loading after total and partial medial meniscectomy
Authors: Uzuner S. , Li L. P.
Published: January 2024

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are often caused by high impact loadings during competitive sports but may also happen during regular daily activities due to tissue degeneration or altered mechanics after a previous knee injury or surgery such as meniscectomy. Most existing research on ACL injury has focused on impact loading scenarios or the consequence of ACL injury on meniscus. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of varying degrees of medial meniscectomy on the mechanics of intact ACL by performing a poromechanical finite element analysis under moderate creep loadings. Four clinical scenarios with 25%, 50%, 75% and total medial meniscectomy were compared with the intact knee finite element model. Our results suggested that different medial meniscal resections may increase, at different extents, the knee laxity and peak tensile stress in the ACL, potentially leading to collagen fiber fatigue tearing and altered mechanobiology under normal joint loadings. Interestingly, the ACL stress actually increased during early knee creep (~ 3 min) before it reached an equilibrium. In addition, meniscectomy accelerated ACL stress reduction during knee creep, transferred more loading to tibial cartilage, increased contact pressure, and shifted the contact center posteriorly. This study may contribute to a better understanding of the interaction of meniscectomy and ACL integrity during daily loadings.
Efficacy of amniotic membrane with coronally advanced flap in the treatment of gingival recession: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdel-Fatah Reham , Saleh Wafaa
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of combining the amniotic membrane (AM) with the coronally advanced flap (CAF) in the treatment of Miller class I and II gingival recession (GR).

Methods

The protocol of this updated PRISMA-compliant systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023431501). The following treatment outcomes were recorded; recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), and clinical attachment level (CAL). We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Science Direct.

Results

Two independent reviewers screened the selected articles. Twenty-two eligible articles were extracted, with 689 sites of GR in 481 patients. No statistically significant difference was found in RD, RW, WKG, and CAL between (AM&CAF) in comparison to control groups. However, the subgroup analysis showed statistically significant differences in RD between the (AM & CAF) group v/s (CAF) alone (P = 0.004). Moreover, the subgroup analysis of the WKG showed statistically significant differences between (AM & CAF) v/s (CAF&CM) (p = 0.04). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was found in the subgroup analysis of CAL between both (AM & CAF) group v/s (CAF) alone (p = 0.0009).

Conclusion

With the limitations of this meta-analysis due to short follow-up periods (6 months), the AM can be considered a viable treatment option for GR defects with satisfactory treatment outcomes comparable to other previously investigated treatment modalities.

Clinical significance

While AM showed various beneficial properties as an ideal membrane for the coverage of GR, future studies are required to completely understand the potential application of AM in the treatment of GR.
Accuracy and reliability of mandibular digital model superimposition based on the morphological characteristics of vessels in extraction adult patients
Authors: Hu Yaozheng , Zheng Mengyu , Chen Jin , Guo Chenlin , Chen Jianming
Published: January 2024

Background

This study aimed to validate the availability of superimposing full-color mandibular digital models (DMs) by the morphological characteristics of vessels in extraction adult patients.

Methods

Twenty-eight adult patients were included, and their DMs were superimposed with pre- and posttreatment cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the morphological characteristics of lingual vessels. The measurements of each tooth were compared under the same coordinate system.

Results

TheICCresults displayed exceptional agreement in intra- and interrater assessments, with scores exceeding 0.891 in the crown for intrarater agreement and scores surpassing 0.888 in the crown for interrater agreement. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were found in the 2 superimposition methods (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The morphological characteristics of vessels under the mucogingival junction in the lingual side of mandible of are stable enough for the superimposition of mandibular DMs in the adult patients undergo orthodontic treatment with premolars extraction.
Mindfulness-based interventions to support wellbeing of adults in low socio-economic settings: a realist review
Authors: Foale Sarah , Botma Yvonne , Heyns Tanya
Published: January 2024

Background

Mindfulness as a modality involves training the innate human capacity for present-moment awareness with a view to cultivating a more harmonious and integrated life experience, especially in the face of hardship. Over the past four decades, the field of mindfulness has grown rapidly. Despite a substantial body of literature outlining the many benefits of mindfulness practice within a range of contexts and populations, the authors noticed that studies addressing the adaptation, application and value of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for adults within socio-economically challenged setting were scant. To address this gap, we conducted a realist review of studies pertaining to MBIs within low socio-economic settings, to determine the extend and nature of research in this sector and culminating in a program theory which may be useful for the design of interventions going forward.

Methods

We selected realist review as the methodology as it is well suited to investigating the complex nature of social interventions. The value of realist review is that the exploration of the causal relationships between the mechanisms (M) within a specific context (C) towards particular outcomes (O) offers a deeper understanding of the intervention which may assist in more effective delivery going forward. The review follows the guidelines presented by the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Synthesis – Evolving Standards project.

Results

Of the 112 documents identified, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of these 12 studies, 10 were conducted in the United States, with little representation across the rest of the globe. The interventions described in these articles were varied. We identified mechanisms that offered beneficial outcomes for participants across a range of contexts, with indications of how interventions might be adapted towards greater accessibility, acceptability, and feasibility within communities.

Conclusion

By reviewing the various programs in their respective contexts, we developed a program theory for implementing socio-culturally adapted MBIs in low socio-economic settings. In the future, this program theory could be tested as a means to create a sense of wellbeing for people living in low socio-economic settings.
Development of the Conversational Health Literacy Assessment Tool for maternity care (CHAT-maternity-care): participatory action research
Authors: Vlassak Evi M.E. , Miteniece Elina , Keulen Judit K.J. , Gravendeel Marjolein , Korstjens Irene , Budé Luc , Hendrix Marijke J.C. , Nieuwenhuijze Marianne J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Limited health literacy in (expectant) parents is associated with adverse health outcomes. Maternity care providers often experience difficulties assessing (expectant) parents’ level of health literacy. The aim was to develop, evaluate, and iteratively adapt a conversational tool that supports maternity care providers in estimating (expectant) parents’ health literacy.

Methods

In this participatory action research study, we developed a conversational tool for estimating the health literacy of (expectant) parents based on the Conversational Health Literacy Assessment Tool for general care, which in turn was based on the Health Literacy Questionnaire. We used a thorough iterative process including different maternity care providers, (expectant) parents, and a panel of experts. This expert panel comprised representatives from knowledge institutions, professional associations, and care providers with whom midwives and maternity care assistants work closely. Testing, evaluation and adjustment took place in consecutive rounds and was conducted in the Netherlands between 2019 and 2022.

Results

The conversational tool ‘CHAT-maternity-care’ covers four key domains: (1) supportive relationship with care providers; (2) supportive relationship within parents’ personal network; (3) health information access and comprehension; (4) current health behaviour and health promotion. Each domain contains multiple example questions and example observations. Participants contributed to make the example questions and example observations accessible and usable for daily practice. The CHAT-maternity-care supports maternity care providers in estimating (expectant) parents’ health literacy during routine conversations with them, increased maternity care providers’ awareness of health literacy and helped them to identify where attention is necessary regarding (expectant) parents’ health literacy.

Conclusions

The CHAT-maternity-care is a promising conversational tool to estimate (expectant) parents’ health literacy. It covers the relevant constructs of health literacy from both the Conversational Health Literacy Assessment Tool and Health Literacy Questionnaire, applied to maternity care. A preliminary evaluation of the use revealed positive feedback. Further testing and evaluation of the CHAT-maternity-care is required with a larger and more diverse population, including more (expectant) parents, to determine the effectiveness, perceived barriers, and perceived facilitators for implementation.
Parental genetically predicted liability for coronary heart disease and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: a cohort study
Authors: Hernáez Álvaro , Skåra Karoline H. , Page Christian M. , Mitter Vera R. , Hernández Marta H. , Magnus Per , Njølstad Pål R. , Andreassen Ole A. , Corfield Elizabeth C. , Havdahl Alexandra , Næss Øyvind , Brumpton Ben , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Lawlor Deborah A. , Fraser Abigail , Magnus Maria Christine
Published: January 2024

Background

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) may unmask or exacerbate a woman’s underlying risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). We estimated associations of maternal and paternal genetically predicted liability for CHD with lifelong risk of APOs. We hypothesized that associations would be found for women, but not their male partners (negative controls).

Methods

We studied up to 83,969‬ women (and up to 55,568‬ male partners) from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study or the Trøndelag Health Study with genotyping data and lifetime history of any APO in their pregnancies (1967–2019) in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (miscarriage, stillbirth, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, small for gestational age, large for gestational age, and spontaneous preterm birth). Maternal and paternal genetic risk scores (GRS) for CHD were generated using 148 gene variants (p-value < 5 × 10−8, not in linkage disequilibrium). Associations between GRS for CHD and each APO were determined using logistic regression, adjusting for genomic principal components, in each cohort separately, and combined using fixed effects meta-analysis.

Results

One standard deviation higher GRS for CHD in women was related to increased risk of any hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.10), pre-eclampsia (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.05–1.11), and small for gestational age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.06). Imprecise associations with lower odds of large for gestational age (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.00) and higher odds of stillbirth (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.98–1.11) were suggested. These findings remained consistent after adjusting for number of total pregnancies and the male partners’ GRS and restricting analyses to stable couples. Associations for other APOs were close to the null. There was weak evidence of an association of paternal genetically predicted liability for CHD with spontaneous preterm birth in female partners (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99–1.05), but not with other APOs.

Conclusions

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, small for gestational age, and stillbirth may unmask women with a genetically predicted propensity for CHD. The association of paternal genetically predicted CHD risk with spontaneous preterm birth in female partners needs further exploration.
Circulating metabolic profile in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: data from the IPF-PRO Registry
Authors: Summer Ross , Todd Jamie L. , Neely Megan L. , Lobo L. Jason , Namen Andrew , Newby L. Kristin , Shafazand Shirin , Suliman Sally , Hesslinger Christian , Keller Sascha , Leonard Thomas B. , Palmer Scott M. , Ilkayeva Olga , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Newgard Christopher B. , Roman Jesse
Published: January 2024

Background

The circulating metabolome, reflecting underlying cellular processes and disease biology, has not been fully characterized in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We evaluated whether circulating levels of metabolites correlate with the presence of IPF, with the severity of IPF, or with the risk of clinically relevant outcomes among patients with IPF.

Methods

We analyzed enrollment plasma samples from 300 patients with IPF in the IPF-PRO Registry and 100 individuals without known lung disease using a set of targeted metabolomics and clinical analyte modules. Linear regression was used to compare metabolite and clinical analyte levels between patients with IPF and controls and to determine associations between metabolite levels and measures of disease severity in patients with IPF. Unadjusted and adjusted univariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate associations between circulating metabolites and the risk of mortality or disease progression among patients with IPF.

Results

Levels of 64 metabolites and 5 clinical analytes were significantly different between patients with IPF and controls. Among analytes with greatest differences were non-esterified fatty acids, multiple long-chain acylcarnitines, and select ceramides, levels of which were higher among patients with IPF versus controls. Levels of the branched-chain amino acids valine and leucine/isoleucine were inversely correlated with measures of disease severity. After adjusting for clinical factors known to influence outcomes, higher levels of the acylcarnitine C:16-OH/C:14-DC were associated with all-cause mortality, lower levels of the acylcarnitine C16:1-OH/C14:1DC were associated with all-cause mortality, respiratory death, and respiratory death or lung transplant, and higher levels of the sphingomyelin d43:2 were associated with the risk of respiratory death or lung transplantation.

Conclusions

IPF has a distinct circulating metabolic profile characterized by increased levels of non-esterified fatty acids, long-chain acylcarnitines, and ceramides, which may suggest a more catabolic environment that enhances lipid mobilization and metabolism. We identified select metabolites that were highly correlated with measures of disease severity or the risk of disease progression and that may be developed further as biomarkers.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov; No: NCT01915511; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.
CircRAD23B promotes proliferation and carboplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cell lines and organoids
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Yashuang , Miao Huixian , Xu Ting , Nie Xianglin , Cheng Wenjun
Published: January 2024

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the regulation of progression and drug resistance in ovarian cancer (OC). In the present study, we aimed to explore the role of circRAD23B, a newly identified circRNA, in the regulation of carboplatin-resistant OC.

Methods

CircRAD23B expression levels were measured using qRT-PCR. The biological roles of circRAD23B were analysed using CCK-8, colony formation, EDU, flow cytometry, and cell viability assays. RNA pull-down and luciferase assays were used to investigate the interactions of circRAD23B with mRNAs and miRNAs.

Results

CircRAD23B was significantly increased in carboplatin-resistant OC tissues. CircRAD23B promoted proliferation and reduced sensitivity to carboplatin in cell lines and patient-derived organoids (PDOs), consistent with in vivo findings. Mechanistically, circRAD23B acted as a molecular sponge, abrogating its inhibitory effect on Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) by adsorbing miR-1287-5p. Rescue experiments confirmed that the pro-proliferation and carboplatin resistance mediated by circRAD23B was partially reversed by the upregulation of miR-1287-5p.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated, for the first time, the role of the circRAD23B/miR-1287-5p/YBX1 axis in OC progression and carboplatin resistance in cell lines, PDOs, and animal models, providing a basis for the development of targeted therapies for patients with OC.
Emergence of Plasmodium falciparum strains with artemisinin partial resistance in East Africa and the Horn of Africa: is there a need to panic?
Authors: Assefa Ashenafi , Fola Abebe A. , Tasew Geremew
Published: January 2024

The emergence and spread of artemisinin partial resistance in East and Horn of Africa is alarming. However, artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) generally remains efficacious for the treatment of falciparum malaria. The emergence of partial artemisinin resistance does not currently meet the criteria to initiate change on treatment guidelines nor affect ACT routine procurement and distribution. It is high time for scientists and transitional researchers to be more critical and vigilant on further changes so that national programmes will be able to make informed decisions as well as remain alert and prepared for any change that may be required in the future.
Impact of short-term exposure to air pollution on natural mortality and vulnerable populations: a multi-city case-crossover analysis in Belgium
Authors: Demoury Claire , Aerts Raf , Berete Finaba , Lefebvre Wouter , Pauwels Arno , Vanpoucke Charlotte , Van der Heyden Johan , De Clercq Eva M.
Published: January 2024

Background

The adverse effect of air pollution on mortality is well documented worldwide but the identification of more vulnerable populations at higher risk of death is still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between natural mortality (overall and cause-specific) and short-term exposure to five air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3 and black carbon) and identify potential vulnerable populations in Belgium.

Methods

We used a time-stratified case-crossover design with conditional logistic regressions to assess the relationship between mortality and air pollution in the nine largest Belgian agglomerations. Then, we performed a random-effect meta-analysis of the pooled results and described the global air pollution-mortality association. We carried out stratified analyses by individual characteristics (sex, age, employment, hospitalization days and chronic preexisting health conditions), living environment (levels of population density, built-up areas) and season of death to identify effect modifiers of the association.

Results

The study included 304,754 natural deaths registered between 2010 and 2015. We found percentage increases for overall natural mortality associated with 10 μg/m3 increases of air pollution levels of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2%, 1.0%) for PM2.5, 0.4% (0.1%, 0.8%) for PM10, 0.5% (-0.2%, 1.1%) for O3, 1.0% (0.3%, 1.7%) for NO2 and 7.1% (-0.1%, 14.8%) for black carbon. There was also evidence for increases of cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. We did not find effect modification by individual characteristics (sex, age, employment, hospitalization days). However, this study suggested differences in risk of death for people with preexisting conditions (thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, diabetes and thyroid affections), season of death (May–September vs October–April) and levels of built-up area in the neighborhood (for NO2).

Conclusions

This work provided evidence for the adverse health effects of air pollution and contributed to the identification of specific population groups. These findings can help to better define public-health interventions and prevention strategies.
Yam Gruel alone and in combination with metformin regulates hepatic lipid metabolism disorders in a diabetic rat model by activating the AMPK/ACC/CPT-1 pathway
Authors: Dai Yanling , Qiu Chen , Zhang Diandian , Li Mianli , Liu Weinan
Published: January 2024

Background

As independent and correctable risk factors, disturbances in lipid metabolism are significantly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This research investigated the mechanism underlying the lipid-regulating effects of Yam Gruel in diabetic rats.

Methods

First, rats in the control group were given a normal diet, and a diabetic rat model was established via the consumption of a diet that was rich in both fat and sugar for six weeks followed by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). After the model was established, the rats were divided into five distinct groups: the control group, model group, Yam Gruel (SYZ) group, metformin (MET) group, and combined group; each treatment was administered for six weeks. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), body and liver weights as well as liver index of the rats were determined. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartic acid transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels were measured. Oil Red O staining was used to assess hepatic steatosis. In addition, the levels of Phospho-acetyl-CoA carboxylase (p-ACC), acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Phospho-AMPK (p-AMPK), carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPT-1), and Malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MLYCD) in liver tissues were measured by real-time PCR (q-PCR) and western blotting.

Results

After 6 weeks of treatment, Yam Gruel alone or in combination with metformin significantly reduced FBG level, liver weight and index. The concentrations of lipid indices (TG, TC, NEFA, and LDL-C), the levels of liver function indices (ALT and AST) and the degree of hepatic steatosis was improved in diabetic rats that were treated with Yam Gruel with or without metformin. Furthermore, Yam Gruel increased the protein levels of p-ACC/ACC, p-AMPK/AMPK, MLYCD, and CPT-1, which was consistent with the observed changes in gene expression. Additionally, the combination of these two agents was significantly more effective in upregulating the expression of AMPK pathway-related genes and proteins.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that Yam Gruel may be a potential diet therapy for improving lipid metabolism in T2DM patients and that it may exert its effects via AMPK/ACC/CPT-1 pathway activation. In some respects, the combination of Yam Gruel and metformin exerted more benefits effects than Yam Gruel alone.
Correlation between sarcopenia and esophageal cancer: a narrative review
Authors: Li Shenglan , Xie Kaiqiang , Xiao Xiaoxiong , Xu Pingsheng , Tang Mimi , Li Dai
Published: January 2024

Background

In recent years, the research on the relationship between sarcopenia before and after the treatment of esophageal cancer, as well as its impact on prognosis of esophageal cancer, has increased rapidly, which has aroused people’s attention to the disease of patients with esophageal cancer complicated with sarcopenia. This review examines the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with esophageal cancer, as well as the relationship between sarcopenia (before and after surgery or chemotherapy) and prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Moreover, we summarized the potential pathogenesis of sarcopenia and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies.

Methods

A narrative review was performed in PubMed and Web of Science using the keywords (“esophageal cancer” or “esophageal neoplasm” or “neoplasm, esophageal” or “esophagus neoplasm” or “esophagus neoplasms” or “neoplasm, esophagus” or “neoplasms, esophagus” or “neoplasms, esophageal” or “cancer of esophagus” or “cancer of the esophagus” or “esophagus cancer” or “cancer, esophagus” or “cancers, esophagus” or “esophagus cancers” or “esophageal cancer” or “cancer, esophageal” or “cancers, esophageal” or “esophageal cancers”) and (“sarcopenia” or “muscular atrophy” or “aging” or “senescence” or “biological aging” or “aging, biological” or “atrophies, muscular” or “atrophy, muscular” or “muscular atrophies” or “atrophy, muscle” or “atrophies, muscle” or “muscle atrophies”). Studies reporting relationship between sarcopenia and esophageal cancer were analyzed.

Results

The results of the review suggest that the average prevalence of sarcopenia in esophageal cancer was 46.3% ± 19.6% ranging from 14.4 to 81% and sarcopenia can be an important predictor of poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Patients with esophageal cancer can suffer from sarcopenia due to their nutritional deficiencies, reduced physical activity, chemotherapy, and the effects of certain inflammatory factors and pathways. When classic diagnostic values for sarcopenia such as skeletal muscle index (SMI) are not available clinically, it is also feasible to predict esophageal cancer prognosis using simpler metrics, such as calf circumference (CC), five-count sit-up test (5-CST), and six-minute walk distance (6MWD).

Conclusions

Identifying the potential mechanism of sarcopenia in patients with esophageal cancer and implementing appropriate interventions may hold the key to improving the prognosis of these patients.
Risk factors and prognosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with paraneoplastic syndrome
Authors: Liang Xin-Li , Su Yan-Dong , Li Xin-Bao , Fu Yu-Bin , Ma Ru , Yang Rui , Wu He-Liang , Li Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and highly aggressive tumor. Its clinical manifestations are diverse, and the symptoms are not specific. Some patients will develop paraneoplastic syndrome (PS) during the disease course. This study aims to analyze the risk factors of PS in patients with MPM and their impacts on prognosis.

Methods

The clinical data of MPM patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) at our center from June 2015 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. MPM patients were divided into PS group and non-PS group according to the diagnostic criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the risk factors of PS in MPM patients, and to analyze the impact of PS on prognosis.

Results

There were 146 MPM patients in this study, including 60 patients (41.1%) with PS and 86 patients (58.9%) without PS. The highest incidence of PS was thrombocytosis (33.6%), followed by neoplastic fever (9.6%). Univariate analysis revealed 8 factors (P < 0.05) with statistically significant differences between the two groups: prior surgical scores, targeted therapy history, Karnofsky performance status score, preoperative carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125 level, vascular tumor embolus, peritoneal cancer index, completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score and intraoperative ascites. Multivariate analysis identified 3 independent factors associated with PS: preoperative CA 125 level, vascular tumor embolus, and CC score. Survival analysis demonstrated that MPM patients with PS had worse prognosis, although PS was not an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusions

PS is not rare in patients with MPM, and is independently associated with preoperative CA 125 level, vascular tumor embolus and CC score. PS often indicates advanced disease and poor prognosis.
The oncogenic mechanisms of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway in digestive tract tumors
Authors: Zhao Ruihong , Hu Zhangmin , Zhang Xiaoli , Huang Shujuan , Yu Guodong , Wu Zhe , Yu Wei , Lu Juan , Ruan Bing
Published: January 2024

Digestive tract tumors are heterogeneous and involve the dysregulation of multiple signaling pathways. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathway plays a notable role in the oncogenesis of digestive tract tumors. Typically activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, it regulates important biological processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, immune responses, and inflammation. The aberrant activation of this pathway manifests in different forms, including mutations in JAKs, overexpression of cytokine receptors, and sustained STAT activation, and contributes to promoting the malignant characteristics of cancer cells, including uncontrolled proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, enhanced invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, acquisition of stem-like properties, and drug resistance. Numerous studies have shown that aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway is closely related to the development and progression of digestive tract tumors, contributing to tumor survival, angiogenesis, changes in the tumor microenvironment, and even immune escape processes. In addition, this signaling pathway also affects the sensitivity of digestive tract tumors to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the oncogenic mechanisms underlying the JAK-STAT pathway in order to develop effective therapeutic strategies against digestive tract tumors. Currently, several JAK–STAT inhibitors are undergoing clinical and preclinical trials as potential treatments for various human diseases. However, further investigation is required to determine the role of this pathway, as well as the effectiveness and safety of its inhibitors, especially in the context of digestive tract tumors. In this review, we provide an overview of the structure, classic activation, and negative regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Furthermore, we discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of JAK-STAT signaling in different digestive tract tumors, with the aim of identifying potential novel therapeutic targets.
Association of dietary inflammatory index with obesity among children and adolescents in the United States NHANES cohort: a population-based study
Authors: Zhang Lili , Peng Huimin , Wang Yao , Ba Hongjun
Published: January 2024

Background

Childhood obesity has become a huge challenge to childhood health, and there is a lack of understanding about the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and childhood obesity. The main objective of this study was to analyze the potential link between DII and obesity among children and adolescents residing in the United States.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2009 and 2018. In total, 12,454 participants were included in the analysis. DII was calculated based on dietary data from the first day of the 24-hour dietary recall. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between DII and obesity, as well as central obesity defined by the waist-to-height ratio of 0.5 or higher or waist circumference ≥ 90th percentile for age and sex.

Results

The mean dietary inflammation index was 2.05 (SE = 0.02), with higher levels in children than in adolescents (P = 0.01). According to our findings, the prevalence of central obesity was higher among adolescents (38.0%) than among children (31.4%). The adolescents in the third quartile of DII have a higher risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.24–1.71) after adjusting for age, sex, and race. This positive association remained significant even after physical activity was added to the model. Concerning central obesity, the adolescents in the highest quartile of DII have a higher risk, independent of demographic characteristics and physical activity. However, no significant association was observed among children.

Conclusions

The dietary inflammation index was positively associated with overweight/obesity and central obesity among adolescents in the United States after adjusting for confounding factors. These findings highlight the importance of promoting anti-inflammatory diets in adolescents to prevent obesity and its associated complications.
Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 regulates CD4+ T cells pyroptosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Cai Hao , Sun Weiwei , Wu Weijie , Nan Yunyi , Ni Yingchen , Wu Xinyuan , Chen Minhao , Xu Hua , Wang Youhua
Published: January 2024

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease with a complex pathogenesis that has not yet been fully elucidated, and T-cell pyroptosis is an important pathogenetic factor in RA. This study aimed to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2) in the pyroptosis of CD4+ T cells in RA and the specific molecular mechanism.

Methods

Peripheral venous blood was collected from human subjects, and CD4+ T cells were isolated and activated to measure the level of pyroptosis and ERAP2 expression. Pyroptosis levels were assessed using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Changes in pyroptosis levels were observed upon knockdown or overexpression of ERAP2. To detect activated Caspase-1 in tissues, chimeric mice were engrafted with human synovial tissue and reconstituted with human CD4+ T cells. CD4 + T cells were treated with GLI1 antagonists and SMO receptor agonists to detect changes in pyroptosis levels.

Results

CD4+ T cell levels undergoing pyroptosis were found to be elevated in the blood and synovium of RA patients. The gene and protein expression of ERAP2 were significantly higher in CD4+ T cells from RA patients. Deletion of ERAP2 suppressed pyroptosis of these cells, attenuated the activation of Caspase-1 in tissue T cells, and reduced tissue inflammatory responses. Reciprocally, overexpression of ERAP2 triggered inflammasome assembly, activated Caspase-1, and induced pyroptosis in CD4+ T cells. Mechanistically, ERAP2 inhibits the Hedgehog signaling pathway and upregulates the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization segment-like receptor family 3(NLRP3), cleaved Caspase-1, and Gasdermin D to promote pyroptosis in CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results identify a novel mechanism by which ERAP2 regulates RA development and document the effect of the ERAP2/Hedgehog signaling axis on pyroptosis of CD4+ T cells from RA patients.
Endometriosis MR mimickers: T2-hypointense lesions
Authors: Ruaux Edouard , VanBuren Wendaline M. , Nougaret Stéphanie , Gavrel Marie , Charlot Mathilde , Grangeon Flavia , Bolze Pierre-Adrien , Thomassin-Naggara Isabelle , Rousset Pascal
Published: January 2024

Endometriosis is a common crippling disease in women of reproductive age. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the cornerstone radiological technique for both the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. While its sensitivity, especially in deep infiltrating endometriosis, is superior to that of ultrasonography, many sources of false-positive results exist, leading to a lack of specificity. Hypointense lesions or pseudo-lesions on T2-weighted images include anatomical variants, fibrous connective tissues, benign and malignant tumors, feces, surgical materials, and post treatment scars which may mimic deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis. False positives can have a major impact on patient management, from diagnosis to medical or surgical treatment. This educational review aims to help the radiologist acknowledge MRI criteria, pitfalls, and the differential diagnosis of deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis to reduce false-positive results.

Critical relevance statement

MRI in deep infiltrating endometriosis has a 23% false-positive rate, leading to misdiagnosis. T2-hypointense lesions primarily result from anatomical variations, fibrous connective tissue, benign and malignant tumors, feces, surgical material, and post-treatment scars.

Key points

• MRI in DIE has a 23% false-positive rate, leading to potential misdiagnosis.

• Anatomical variations, fibrous connective tissues, neoplasms, and surgical alterations are the main sources of T2-hypointense mimickers.

• Multisequence interpretation, morphologic assessment, and precise anatomic localization are crucial to prevent overdiagnosis.

• Gadolinium injection is beneficial for assessing endometriosis differential diagnosis only in specific conditions.

Graphical Abstract