bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the Role of Apoptosis-Related Genes in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Yang Wei , Bai Xiangfeng , Wang Yanqiong , Liang Rongbi , Chen Wendong
Published: February 2024

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a complex phenomenon that often occurs in patients with ischemic heart disease. The potential molecular mechanism of MIRI needs to be more precise. This paper aims to identify the potential biomarkers of MIRI through a series of bioinformatics
methods. As a kind of programmed cell death, focal death is closely related to inflammation. It plays a crucial role in tumor diseases. Therefore, this paper corrected several sets of transcriptome data of MIRI in the GEO cohort in batches, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained.
In addition, the genes related to scorch death were collected and intersected with DEGs to get the intersection gene. Then, we screen hub genes from the intersection genes based on three algorithms of cytoHubba. The hub genes were analyzed by the mRNA-miRNA interaction network, mRNA-TF interaction
network, and mRNA-drug network. The hub genes obtained in this paper have interaction with many drugs, which may be the potential therapeutic target of MIRI. In addition, we performed RT-qPCR to validate the mRNA expression levels of hub genes.
Cytotoxic, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anthelmintic, and Anticoagulant Potential of Phytochemicals from Simarouba glauca Leaf Extract
Authors: Alshehri1 Osama M. , Muddapur Uday M. , Manjunath Samiksha , Jalal Mohammed M. , Altayar Malik A. , Mahnashi Mater H. , Shaikh Ibrahim Ahmed , Malpani Jay , Turakani Bhagya , Hegde Harsha , Samdani Mohammad Shahzad , Mannasaheb Basheerahmed Abdulaziz , Khan Aejaz Abdullatif , Hussain Syed Arif , Iqubal S. M. Shakeel
Published: February 2024

This study’s primary objectives were to evaluate phytochemical screening and identify therapeutic uses for the herb Simarouba glauca. By employing a Soxhlet apparatus, the leaves were extracted using ethyl acetate. Standard techniques were used for preliminary phytochemical
analysis to screen the presence of secondary metabolites. The agar plate method was used to test for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The antidiabetic activity aimed to identify the alpha-amylase enzyme inhibition that is most effective at
regulating blood glucose levels. The DPPH assay was used to screen the antioxidant activity. The extract’s bioactive components were purified using column and thin-layer chromatography. Simarouba glauca extract was tested for its cytotoxic property on the lung cancer cell line
(A549) using the MTT assay. To find the phytocompounds present in the extract, GC-MS analysis was carried out. Anticoagulation activity was carried out to assess the prothrombin time of blood and therapeutic applications such as anthelminthic activity were determined by determining the time
of death of parasites like earthworms. The tested extract showed considerable cytotoxic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anthelmintic, and anticoagulant activity.
Assimilation of Water Vapor Retrievals from ZDR Columns Using the 3DVar Method for Improving the Short-Term Prediction of Convective Storms
Authors: Chen Haiqin , Gao Jidong , Sun Tao , Chen Yaodeng , Wang Yunheng , Carlin Jacob T.
Published: February 2024

The differential reflectivity (ZDR) column is a notable polarimetric signature related to updrafts in deep moist convection. In this study, pseudo–water vapor (qυ) observations are retrieved from observed ZDR columns under the assumption that humidity is saturated within the convection where ZDR columns are detected, and are then assimilated within the 3DVar framework. The impacts of assimilating pseudo-qυ observations from ZDR columns on short-term severe weather prediction are first evaluated for a squall-line case. Radar data analysis indicates that the ZDR columns are mainly located on the inflow side of the high-reflectivity region. Assimilation of the pseudo-qυ observations leads to an enhancement of qυ within the convection, while concurrently reducing humidity in no-rain areas. Sensitivity experiments indicate that a tuned smaller observation error and a shorter horizontal decorrelation scale are optimal for a better assimilation of pseudo-qυ from ZDR columns, resulting in more stable rain rates during short-term forecasts. Additionally, a 15-min cycling assimilation frequency yields the best performance, providing the most accurate reflectivity forecast in terms of both location and intensity. Analysis of thermodynamic fields reveal that assimilating ZDR columns provides more favorable initial conditions for sustaining convection, including sustainable moisture condition, a strong cold pool, and divergent winds near the surface, consequently enhancing reflectivity and precipitation. With the optimal configuration determined from the sensitivity tests, a quantitative evaluation further demonstrates that assimilating the pseudo-qυ observations from ZDR columns using the 3DVar method can improve the 0–3-h reflectivity and accumulated precipitation predictions of convective storms.
Influence of Perceptual Load on Attentional Orienting in Post-Stroke Fatigue: A Study of Auditory Evoked Potentials
Authors: De Doncker William , Kuppuswamy Annapoorna
Published: February 2024

Objective

Increasing perceptual load alters behavioral outcomes in post-stroke fatigue (PSF). While the effect of perceptual load on top-down attentional processing is known, here we investigate if increasing perceptual load modulates bottom-up attentional processing in a fatigue dependent manner.

Methods

In this cross-sectional observational study, in 29 first-time stroke survivors with no clinical depression, an auditory oddball task consisting of target, standard, and novel tones was performed in conditions of low and high perceptual load. Electroencephalography was used to measure auditory evoked potentials. Perceived effort was rated using the visual analog scale at regular intervals during the experiment. Fatigue was measured using the fatigue severity scale. The effect of fatigue and perceptual load on behavior (response time, accuracy, and effort rating) and auditory evoked potentials (amplitude and latency) was examined using mixed model ananlysis of variances (ANOVA).

Results

Response time was prolonged with greater perceptual load and fatigue. There was no effect of load or fatigue on accuracy. Greater effort was reported with higher perceptual load both in high and low fatigue. p300a amplitude of auditory evoked potentials (AEP) for novel stimuli was attenuated in high fatigue with increasing load when compared to low fatigue. Latency of p300a was longer in low fatigue with increasing load when compared to high fatigue. There were no effects on p300b components, with smaller N100 in high load conditions.

Interpretation

High fatigue specific modulation of p300a component of AEP with increasing load is indicative of distractor driven alteration in orienting response, suggestive of compromise in bottom-up selective attention in PSF.
Mn–Fe-rich genthelvite from pegmatites associated with the Madeira Sn–Nb–Ta deposit, Pitinga, Brazil: new constraints on the magmatic-hydrothermal transition in the albite-enriched granite system
Authors: Hadlich Ingrid W. , Bastos Neto Artur C. , Pereira Vitor P. , Botelho Nilson F. , Ronchi Luiz H. , Dill Harold G.
Published: February 2024

Genthelvite from pegmatite veins hosted by the albite-enriched granite (ca.1.8 Ga) corresponding to the Sn–Nb–Ta (F, REE, Li, Zr, U, Th) Madeira deposit, Amazonas, Brazil was studied. Genthelvite, the exclusive Be-bearing mineral within the deposit, occurs as massive crystals of up to 4.7 cm in size. Compositions are homogeneous within individual crystals, although there is moderate variation in the overall composition reflecting relatively limited substitutions within the helvine–genthelvite–danalite solid-solution series, with relatively high Zn contents (36.96 to 49.45 wt.% ZnO), lower Mn contents (0.61 to 3.03 wt.% MnO), and variable Fe contents (2.10 to 10.94 wt.% FeO), completing an existing compositional gap in this system. Genthelvite formed in an alkaline and subaluminous environment, under stable conditions within the late-evolved fluids, at relatively high temperature (>400°C), in a reducing environment. The extremely high concentration of fluorine in the magma and the crystallisation of magmatic galena resulted in an effective reduction of H2S fugacity. This resulted in the stabilisation of genthelvite during the transition from the late magmatic to early hydrothermal stages of the albite-enriched granite evolution. The variability in Fe content within genthelvite is associated primarily with localised variations in the mineral assemblage (e.g. the presence of riebeckite and polylithionite). Genthelvite was altered by low-temperature aqueous fluids rich in F which resulted in the incorporation of Fe, Mn, Mg, Pb, Ba, Na, K, U and REE into the Zn2+ structural site and the allocation of excess Si, Al, Ti and P in the IVSi and IVBe structural sites. The substantial content of U and REE substituting for Zn, together with Si substituting for Be, is charge balanced by the presence of vacancies at the A site.
Investigating plant responses to microgravity and adaptations in gravisensitive environments
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Ali Sajid , Khan Murtaza , Jang Yoon-Hee , Kim Eun-Gyeong , Zhao Dan-Dan , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: February 2024

Plants are crucial because they give us food and oxygen. With the idea of living on other planets and taking long trips in space, we need to understand and explore the way how plants can survive in these strange places. However, while the gravity response on earth’s surface has been extensively studied in plants, in space, where the gravity is very weak, things get confusing. One of the intriguing and essential subjects for space life is understanding how plants can sustain themselves in microgravity conditions. To investigate this, various clinostat devices and the CRISPR/Cas9 technique are crucial tools for exploring the functioning of PIN-formed protein and related signal transduction pathways. In this review, we aim to provide researchers with a brief overview of the mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas9, which can be immensely helpful when using this method alongside clinostat machines. Our primary goal in this review is to address the missing gaps in existing literatures, focusing on how plants perceive gravity and experimental approaches applicable for studying their responses to microgravity, both on earth and in space.
Metagenomic analysis of gut microbiome illuminates the mechanisms and evolution of lignocellulose degradation in mangrove herbivorous crabs
Authors: Hui Tom Kwok Lun , Lo Irene Ching Nam , Wong Karen Ka Wing , Tsang Chandler Tsz To , Tsang Ling Ming
Published: February 2024

Background

Sesarmid crabs dominate mangrove habitats as the major primary consumers, which facilitates the trophic link and nutrient recycling in the ecosystem. Therefore, the adaptations and mechanisms of sesarmid crabs to herbivory are not only crucial to terrestrialization and its evolutionary success, but also to the healthy functioning of mangrove ecosystems. Although endogenous cellulase expressions were reported in crabs, it remains unknown if endogenous enzymes alone can complete the whole lignocellulolytic pathway, or if they also depend on the contribution from the intestinal microbiome. We attempt to investigate the role of gut symbiotic microbes of mangrove-feeding sesarmid crabs in plant digestion using a comparative metagenomic approach.

Results

Metagenomics analyses on 43 crab gut samples from 23 species of mangrove crabs with different dietary preferences revealed a wide coverage of 127 CAZy families and nine KOs targeting lignocellulose and their derivatives in all species analyzed, including predominantly carnivorous species, suggesting the crab gut microbiomes have lignocellulolytic capacity regardless of dietary preference. Microbial cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase genes in herbivorous and detritivorous crabs were differentially more abundant when compared to omnivorous and carnivorous crabs, indicating the importance of gut symbionts in lignocellulose degradation and the enrichment of lignocellulolytic microbes in response to diet with higher lignocellulose content. Herbivorous and detritivorous crabs showed highly similar CAZyme composition despite dissimilarities in taxonomic profiles observed in both groups, suggesting a stronger selection force on gut microbiota by functional capacity than by taxonomy. The gut microbiota in herbivorous sesarmid crabs were also enriched with nitrogen reduction and fixation genes, implying possible roles of gut microbiota in supplementing nitrogen that is deficient in plant diet.

Conclusions

Endosymbiotic microbes play an important role in lignocellulose degradation in most crab species. Their abundance is strongly correlated with dietary preference, and they are highly enriched in herbivorous sesarmids, thus enhancing their capacity in digesting mangrove leaves. Dietary preference is a stronger driver in determining the microbial CAZyme composition and taxonomic profile in the crab microbiome, resulting in functional redundancy of endosymbiotic microbes. Our results showed that crabs implement a mixed mode of digestion utilizing both endogenous and microbial enzymes in lignocellulose degradation, as observed in most of the more advanced herbivorous invertebrates.
Bacterial community structure and co-occurrence networks in the rhizosphere and root endosphere of the grafted apple
Authors: Cao Hui , Xu Longxiao , Song Jianfei , Xun Mi , Zhang Weiwei , Yang Hongqiang
Published: February 2024

Background

Compared with aerial plant tissues (such as leaf, stem, and flower), root-associated microbiomes play an indisputable role in promoting plant health and productivity. We thus explored the similarities and differences between rhizosphere and root endosphere bacterial community in the grafted apple system.

Results

Using pot experiments, three microhabitats (bulk soil, rhizosphere and root endosphere) samples were obtained from two-year-old apple trees grafted on the four different rootstocks. We then investigated the bacterial community composition, diversity, and co-occurrence network in three microhabitats using the Illumina sequencing methods. Only 63 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) out of a total of 24,485 were shared in the rhizosphere and root endosphere of apple grafted on the four different rootstocks (M9T337, Malus hupehensis Rehd., Malus robusta Rehd., and Malus baccata Borkh.). The core microbiome contained 8 phyla and 25 families. From the bulk soil to the rhizosphere to the root endosphere, the members of the phylum and class levels demonstrated a significant enrichment and depletion pattern. Co-occurrence network analysis showed the network complexity of the rhizosphere was higher than the root endosphere. Most of the keystone nodes in both networks were classified as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Bacteroidetes and were low abundance species.

Conclusion

The hierarchical filtration pattern existed not only in the assembly of root endosphere bacteria, but also in the core microbiome. Moreover, most of the core ASVs were high-abundance species, while the keystone ASVs of the network were low-abundance species.
Antivirulence effects of cell-free culture supernatant of endophytic bacteria against grapevine crown gall agent, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and induction of defense responses in plantlets via intact bacterial cells
Authors: Etminani Faegheh , Harighi Behrouz , Bahramnejad Bahman , Mozafari Ali Akbar
Published: February 2024

Background

Crown gall disease caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a very destructive affliction that affects grapevines. Endophytic bacteria have been discovered to control plant diseases via the use of several mechanisms. This research examined the potential for controlling crown gall by three endophytic bacteria that were previously isolated from healthy cultivated and wild grapevines including Pseudomonas kilonensis Ba35, Pseudomonas chlororaphis Ba47, and Serratia liquefaciens Ou55.

Result

At various degrees, three endophytic bacteria suppressed the populations of A. tumefaciens Gh1 and greatly decreased the symptoms of crown gall. Furthermore, biofilm production and motility behaviors of A. tumefaciens Gh1were greatly inhibited by the Cell-free Culture Supernatant (CFCS) of endophytic bacteria. According to our findings, CFCS may reduce the adhesion of A. tumefaciens Gh1 cells to grapevine cv. Rashe root tissues as well as their chemotaxis motility toward the extract of the roots. When compared to the untreated control, statistical analysis showed that CFCS significantly reduced the swimming, twitching, and swarming motility of A. tumefaciens Gh1. The findings demonstrated that the endophytic bacteria effectively stimulated the production of plant defensive enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and total soluble phenols at different time intervals in grapevine inoculated with A. tumefaciens Gh1. The Ba47 strain markedly increased the expression levels of defense genes associated with plant resistance. The up-regulation of PR1, PR2, VvACO1, and GAD1 genes in grapevine leaves indicates the activation of SA and JA pathways, which play a role in enhancing resistance to pathogen invasion. The results showed that treating grapevine with Ba47 increased antioxidant defense activities and defense-related gene expression, which reduced oxidative damage caused by A. tumefaciens and decreased the incidence of crown gall disease.

Conclusion

This is the first study on how A. tumefaciens, the grapevine crown gall agent, is affected by CFCS generated by endophytic bacteria in terms of growth and virulence features. To create safer plant disease management techniques, knowledge of the biocontrol processes mediated by CFCS during microbial interactions is crucial.
Comparison of statistical methods used to meta-analyse results from interrupted time series studies: an empirical study
Authors: Korevaar Elizabeth , Turner Simon L. , Forbes Andrew B. , Karahalios Amalia , Taljaard Monica , McKenzie Joanne E.
Published: February 2024

Background

The Interrupted Time Series (ITS) is a robust design for evaluating public health and policy interventions or exposures when randomisation may be infeasible. Several statistical methods are available for the analysis and meta-analysis of ITS studies. We sought to empirically compare available methods when applied to real-world ITS data.

Methods

We sourced ITS data from published meta-analyses to create an online data repository. Each dataset was re-analysed using two ITS estimation methods. The level- and slope-change effect estimates (and standard errors) were calculated and combined using fixed-effect and four random-effects meta-analysis methods. We examined differences in meta-analytic level- and slope-change estimates, their 95% confidence intervals, p-values, and estimates of heterogeneity across the statistical methods.

Results

Of 40 eligible meta-analyses, data from 17 meta-analyses including 282 ITS studies were obtained (predominantly investigating the effects of public health interruptions (88%)) and analysed. We found that on average, the meta-analytic effect estimates, their standard errors and between-study variances were not sensitive to meta-analysis method choice, irrespective of the ITS analysis method. However, across ITS analysis methods, for any given meta-analysis, there could be small to moderate differences in meta-analytic effect estimates, and important differences in the meta-analytic standard errors. Furthermore, the confidence interval widths and p-values for the meta-analytic effect estimates varied depending on the choice of confidence interval method and ITS analysis method.

Conclusions

Our empirical study showed that meta-analysis effect estimates, their standard errors, confidence interval widths and p-values can be affected by statistical method choice. These differences may importantly impact interpretations and conclusions of a meta-analysis and suggest that the statistical methods are not interchangeable in practice.
Prognostic impacts of repeated sepsis in intensive care unit on autoimmune disease patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Jinming , Chen Jie , Zhang Min , Zhou Qingsa , Yan Bing
Published: February 2024

Background

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) may be complicated by sepsis when intensive care unit (ICU) admission. But repeated sepsis among AD patients has not been studied yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of repeated in-ICU sepsis on the 1-year overall-cause mortality, septic shock and in-ICU death of AD patients.

Methods

Data of AD patients with sepsis retrieved from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database were divided into the single group and the repeated group according to the frequency of in-ICU sepsis. Propensity score matching was used to balance inter-group bias. Cox proportional hazard regression and sensitivity analysis were utilized to assess the variables on mortality.

Results

The incidence of repeated in-ICU sepsis in baseline was 19.8%. The repeated in-ICU sepsis was a risk factor for 1-year overall-cause mortality among AD patients (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.16–1.93, P = 0.002), with robust adjusted HRs by the adjustment for confounders in the sensitivity analysis (all P < 0.01). Maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (Max SOFA), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score-II (SAPS-II) were risk factors for 1-year overall-cause mortality among AD with repeated sepsis (Max SOFA: HR = 1.09, P = 0.002; CCI: HR = 1.08, P = 0.039; SAPS-II: HR = 1.03, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Compared to single hit, repeated in-ICU sepsis was independently related to a higher risk of 1-year overall-cause mortality among AD patients. Assessment tools (Higher SOFA, CCI and SAPS-II scores) were closely linked to poor prognosis of AD with repeated sepsis and helped to reflect ill physical conditions for the patients.
Automated assessment of cardiac pathologies on cardiac MRI using T1-mapping and late gadolinium phase sensitive inversion recovery sequences with deep learning
Authors: Paciorek Aleksandra M. , von Schacky Claudio E. , Foreman Sarah C. , Gassert Felix G. , Gassert Florian T. , Kirschke Jan S. , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Geith Tobias , Hadamitzky Martin , Nadjiri Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Background

A deep learning (DL) model that automatically detects cardiac pathologies on cardiac MRI may help streamline the diagnostic workflow. To develop a DL model to detect cardiac pathologies on cardiac MRI T1-mapping and late gadolinium phase sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) sequences were used.

Methods

Subjects in this study were either diagnosed with cardiac pathology (n = 137) including acute and chronic myocardial infarction, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or classified as normal (n = 63). Cardiac MR imaging included T1-mapping and PSIR sequences. Subjects were split 65/15/20% for training, validation, and hold-out testing. The DL models were based on an ImageNet pretrained DenseNet-161 and implemented using PyTorch and fastai. Data augmentation with random rotation and mixup was applied. Categorical cross entropy was used as the loss function with a cyclic learning rate (1e-3). DL models for both sequences were developed separately using similar training parameters. The final model was chosen based on its performance on the validation set. Gradient-weighted class activation maps (Grad-CAMs) visualized the decision-making process of the DL model.

Results

The DL model achieved a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100%, 38%, and 88% on PSIR images and 78%, 54%, and 70% on T1-mapping images. Grad-CAMs demonstrated that the DL model focused its attention on myocardium and cardiac pathology when evaluating MR images.

Conclusions

The developed DL models were able to reliably detect cardiac pathologies on cardiac MR images. The diagnostic performance of T1 mapping alone is particularly of note since it does not require a contrast agent and can be acquired quickly.
The impact of vitamin D changes during pregnancy on the development of maternal adverse events: a random forest analysis
Authors: Borumandnia Nasrin , Rostami Maryam , Talebi Atefeh , Alavimajd Hamid
Published: February 2024

Background

Maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with various maternal adverse events (MAE). However, the evidence regarding the effect of vitamin D supplementation on these outcomes is still inconclusive.

Methods

This secondary analysis utilized a case–control design. 403 samples with MAE and 403 samples without any outcomes were selected from the Khuzestan Vitamin D Deficiency Screening Program in Pregnancy study. Random forest (RF) analysis was used to evaluate the effect of maternal vitamin D changes during pregnancy on MAE.

Results

The results showed that women who remained deficient (35.2%) or who worsened from sufficient to deficient (30.0%) had more MAE than women who improved (16.4%) or stayed sufficient (11.8%). The RF model had an AUC of 0.74, sensitivity of 72.6%, and specificity of 69%, which indicate a moderate to high performance for predicting MAE. The ranked variables revealed that systolic blood pressure is the most important variable for MAE, followed by diastolic blood pressure and vitamin D changes during pregnancy.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that maternal vitamin D changes during pregnancy have a significant impact on MAE. Our findings suggest that monitoring and treatment of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may be a potential preventive strategy for reducing the risk of MAE. The presented RF model had a moderate to high performance for predicting MAE.
OLFM2 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion in colorectal cancer through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Yong , Liu Yi , Wang Xiaobo , Guo Haiyang , Chen Lin , Hu Guangbing , Cui Yutong , Liang Shiqi , Zuo Ji , Luo Zichen , Chen Xinrui , Wang Xianfei
Published: February 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, which is a major public health concern worldwide. Despite numerous studies, the precise mechanism of metastasis behind its progression remains elusive. As a member of the containing olfactomedin domains protein family, olfactomedin 2 (OLFM2) may play a role in tumor metastasis. It is highly expressed in colorectal cancer, and its role in the metastasis of CRC is still unclear. As such, this study seeks to explore the function of OLFM2 on CRC metastasis and its potential mechanisms.

Methods

Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to study the expression of OLFM2 in human CRC and adjacent normal tissues. Knockdown and overexpression OLFM2 cell lines were constructed using siRNA and overexpression plasmids to explore the role of OLFM2 in the migration and invasion of CRC through transwell, and wound healing experiments. Finally, the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) -related proteins and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins was investigated using western blotting.

Results

In this study, we observed an elevation of OLFM2 expression levels in CRC tissues. To investigate the function of OLFM2, we overexpressed and knocked down OLFM2. We discovered that OLFM2 knockdown inhibited migration and invasion of colon cancer cells. Furthermore, E-cadherin expression increased while N-cadherin and Vimentin expression were opposite. It is no surprise that overexpressing OLFM2 had the opposite effects. We also identified that OLFM2 knockdown resulted in reduced TGF-βR1 and downstream molecules p-Smad2 and p-Smad3, which are related to the TGF-β / Smad pathway. In contrast, overexpressing OLFM2 significantly boosted their expression levels.

Conclusion

The protein OLFM2 has been identified as a crucial determinant in the progression of CRC. Its mechanism of action involves the facilitation of EMT through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Given its pivotal role in CRC, OLFM2 has emerged as a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for the disease. These results indicate the potential of OLFM2 as a valuable biomarker for CRC diagnosis and treatment and highlight the need for further research exploring its clinical significance.
Peripheral and posterior pole retinal changes in highly myopic Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Yang Fan , Chen Shirong , Shi Tingkun
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and related factors of peripheral and posterior pole retinal changes in highly myopic Chinese children and adolescents.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was designed. A total of 120 subjects with high myopia were recruited and underwent cycloplegic refraction, dilated fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography. A statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the factors associated with peripheral and posterior pole retinal changes.

Results

The mean spherical equivalent refraction of the subjects was − 8.74 ± 2.86 D, and the mean age was 11.45 ± 3.02 years. Snowflake retinal degeneration (27.5%), white without pressure (27.5%), snail-track degeneration (15%), and lattice degeneration (15%) were the most common peripheral retinal changes, while tessellated fundus (84.17%), optic nerve crescents (78.3%), and posterior staphyloma (11.7%) were the most common posterior changes. Subjects with peripheral changes were significantly older, with thinner choroids (OR = 1.194, 95% CI: 1.045–1.363, p = 0.009; OR = 0.993, 95% CI: 0.987–0.999, p = 0.022, respectively). Optic nerve crescents, tessellated fundus, and posterior scleral staphyloma were all associated with thin choroids (OR = 0.990, 95% CI: 0.983–0.997, p = 0.008; OR = 0.983, 95% CI: 0.974–0.991, p < 0.001; OR = 0.974, 95% CI: 0.960–0.987, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of the subjects had peripheral and posterior retinal changes. An increased risk of retinal changes was associated with high degrees of myopia, long axial lengths, thin choroids, and older ages among 7–16-year-old individuals.
Which factors accompany maternal acceptance-rejection in children with specific learning disabilities?
Authors: Ayar Ganime , Yalçın Sıddıka Songül , Artan Özge Tanıdır , Kahveci Ahmet , Çöp Esra
Published: February 2024

Background

Children with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) and their parents experience many problems that may influence their interactions. The study aimed to evaluate the maternal acceptance/rejection status of children with SLDs and their associations with sociodemographic characteristics, and problem behaviors.

Methods

The Parental Acceptance-Rejection/Control Questionnaire (PARQ/C) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were applied to the mothers with children aged 7–17 years with a diagnosis of SLD.

Results

Among 266 children enrolled, the mean age was 10.2 years, and 61.7% were male, the mean score was 30.4 for warmth/affection, 25.8 for hostility/aggression, 22.9 for indifference/neglect, 16.3 for undifferentiated rejection, 95.4 for the total PARQ, and 40.8 for the control scales. Generalized linear models revealed that maternal depression, poor family income, parental smoking, and presence of dysgraphia, and poor total difficulties and prosocial scores of SDQ subscales were associated with the maternal acceptance-rejection. There was an interaction between the maternal control subscale and the school success of the child.

Conclusion

Mothers of children with SLDs had high maternal rejection scores which were associated with unfavorable characteristics of child and family. Early detection and giving appropriate support of these cases could improve the mother’s relationship with her SLD child.
Socio-ecological factors of girl child marriage: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research
Authors: Pourtaheri Asma , Mahdizadeh Mehrsadat , Tehrani Hadi , Jamali Jamshid , Peyman Nooshin
Published: February 2024

Background

Child marriage of girls is one example of human rights violations, and is increasingly recognized as a key obstacle to global public health. Given the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the motivations for child marriage, this study aimed to identify socio-ecological factors contributing to gills child marriage.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted of all English-language studies measuring causes of child marriage between 2000 and October 2022 in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, ProQuest, Poplin and Google Scholar databases. Girl child marriage is defined as a marriage under the age of 18. In this study, the CASP evaluation checklist was used to collect data. Two independent reviewers reviewed all articles.

Results

A total of 34 eligible qualitative articles were included. The most salient causes of child marriage among girls include low skills and knowledge, internal and external beliefs and motivations, and physical advantages at the individual level. Family characteristics and structure contribute to child marriage at the interpersonal level, while environmental and economic factors play a role at the community level. Social factors and cultural norms, as well as the shortcomings and weaknesses of legislation, are also contributing factors at the society level.

Conclusion

The results showed that cultural beliefs supporting gender inequality and economic status were the most important causes of child marriage. These results can help policymakers and decision-makers implement strategies to reduce gender inequality to prevent child marriage.
Economic and social determinants of health care utilization during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic among adults in Ghana: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayanore Martin Amogre , Adjuik Martin , Zuñiga Roberto Ariel Abeldaño , Amuna Paul , Ezechi Oliver , Brown Brandon , Uzochukwu Benjamin , Aly Nourhan M. , Quadri Mir Faeq Ali , Popoola Bamidele Olubukola , Ishabiyi Anthonia Omotola , Ellakany Passent , Yousaf Muhammad Abrar , Virtanen Jorma I. , Lawal Folake Barakat , Ara Eshrat , Khan Abeedha Tu-Allah , Gaffar Balgis , El Tantawi Maha , Nguyen Annie L. , Foláyan Moréniké Oluwátóyìn
Published: February 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic had socioeconomic effects in Africa. This study assessed the social and economic determinants of healthcare utilization during the first wave of COVID-19 among adults in Ghana.

Methods

Information about individuals residing in Ghana was derived from a survey conducted across multiple countries, aiming to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and overall well-being of adults aged 18 and above. The dependent variable for the study was healthcare utilization (categorized as low or high). The independent variables were economic (such as financial loss, job loss, diminished wages, investment/retirement setbacks, and non-refunded travel cancellations) and social (including food scarcity, loss of financial support sources, housing instability, challenges affording food, clothing, shelter, electricity, utilities, and increased caregiving responsibilities for partners) determinants of health. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with healthcare utilization after adjusting for confounders (age, gender, access to medical insurance, COVID-19 status, educational background, employment, and marital status of the participants).

Results

The analysis included 364 responses. Individuals who encountered a loss of financial support (AOR: 9.58; 95% CI: 3.44–26.73; p < 0.001), a decrease or loss of wages (AOR: 7.44, 95% CI: 3.05–18.16, p < 0.001), experienced investment or retirement setbacks (AOR: 10.69, 95% CI: 2.60-43.88, p = 0.001), and expressed concerns about potential food shortages (AOR: 6.85, 95% CI: 2.49–18.84, p < 0.001) exhibited significantly higher odds of low healthcare utilization during the initial phase of the pandemic. Contrastingly, participants facing challenges in paying for basic needs demonstrated lower odds of low healthcare utilization compared to those who found it easy to cover basic expenses (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06–0.67, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Economic and social factors were associated with low healthcare utilization in Ghana during the first wave of the pandemic. Investment or retirement loss and financial support loss during the pandemic had the largest effect on healthcare utilization. Further research is needed to understand the connection between concerns about food shortages, welfare losses during pandemics and healthcare utilization during pandemics in Ghana.
Living in poverty and accelerated biological aging: evidence from population-representative sample of U.S. adults
Authors: Dalecka Andrea , Bartoskova Polcrova Anna , Pikhart Hynek , Bobak Martin , Ksinan Albert J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Biological aging reflects a decline in the functions and integrity of the human body that is closely related to chronological aging. A variety of biomarkers have been found to predict biological age. Biological age higher than chronological age (biological age acceleration) indicates an accelerated state of biological aging and a higher risk of premature morbidity and mortality. This study investigated how socioeconomic disadvantages influence biological aging.

Methods

The data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) IV, including 10 nationally representative cross-sectional surveys between 1999-2018, were utilized. The analytic sample consisted of N = 48,348 individuals (20-84 years). We used a total of 11 biomarkers for estimating the biological age. Our main outcome was biological age acceleration, indexed by PhenoAge acceleration (PAA) and Klemera-Doubal biological age acceleration (KDM-A). Poverty was measured as a ratio of family income to the poverty thresholds defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, adjusted annually for inflation and family size (5 categories). The PAA and KDM-A were regressed on poverty levels, age, their interaction, education, sex, race, and a data collection wave. Sample weights were used to make the estimates representative of the U.S. adult population.

Results

The results showed that higher poverty was associated with accelerated biological aging (PAA: unstandardized coefficient B = 1.38 p <.001, KDM: B = 0.96, p = .026 when comparing the highest and the lowest poverty level categories), above and beyond other covariates. The association between PAA and KDM-A and age was U-shaped. Importantly, there was an interaction between poverty levels and age (p <.001), as the effect of poverty was most pronounced in middle-aged categories while it was modest in younger and elderly groups.

Conclusion

In a nationally representative US adult population, we found that higher poverty was positively associated with the acceleration of biological age, particularly among middle-aged persons.
Effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported exercise and weight loss program for hip osteoarthritis – protocol for the Better Hip randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bennell Kim L. , Keating Catherine , Lawford Belinda , Graham Bridget , Hall Michelle , Simpson Julie A. , McManus Fiona , Hosking Brinley , Sumithran Priya , Harris Anthony , Woode Maame Esi , Francis Jill J. , Marlow Jennifer , Poh Sharon , Hinman Rana S.
Published: February 2024

Background

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide. Self-management is vital with education, exercise and weight loss core recommended treatments. However, evidence-practice gaps exist, and service models that increase patient accessibility to clinicians who can support lifestyle management are needed. The primary aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported exercise and weight loss program (Better Hip) on the primary outcomes of hip pain on walking and physical function at 6 months, compared with an information-only control for people with hip OA.

Methods

A two-arm, parallel-design, superiority pragmatic randomised controlled trial. 212 members from a health insurance fund aged 45 years and over, with painful hip OA will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive: i) Better Hip; or ii) web-based information only (control). Participants randomised to the Better Hip program will have six videoconferencing physiotherapist consultations for education about OA, prescription of individualised home-based strengthening and physical activity programs, behaviour change support, and facilitation of other self-management strategies. Those with a body mass index > 27 kg/m2, aged < 80 years and no specific health conditions, will also be offered six videoconferencing dietitian consultations to undertake a weight loss program. Participants in the control group will be provided with similar educational information about managing hip OA via a custom website. All participants will be reassessed at 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes are hip pain on walking and physical function. Secondary outcomes include measures of pain; hip function; weight; health-related quality of life; physical activity levels; global change in hip problem; willingness to undergo hip replacement surgery; rates of hip replacement; and use of oral pain medications. A health economic evaluation at 12 months will be conducted and reported separately.

Discussion

Findings will determine whether a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported lifestyle management program including education, exercise/physical activity and, for those with overweight or obesity, weight loss, is more effective than information only in people with hip OA. Results will inform the implementation of such programs to increase access to core recommended treatments.

Trial registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000461796).
The area ratio of Modic changes has predictive value for postoperative surgical site infection in lumbar spine surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Yanhang , Chen Qian , Wang Yueran , He Jiangtao
Published: February 2024

Background

Increasing evidence suggests an association between Modic changes (MC) and subclinical infection and inflammatory reactions. However, the relationship between preoperative MC and surgical site infection (SSI) has not been fully explored. This study aims to investigate the correlation between MC and SSI.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients (n = 646) who underwent single-level lumbar spine surgery for lower back pain in our hospital between 2018 and 2023. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria, the patients were divided into an SSI group (n = 40) and a Non-SSI group (n = 606). Univariate analysis was performed to determine the statistical differences in variables between the two groups, and the variables with significant differences were included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for SSI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed on the independent risk factors.

Results

The SSI group and the Non-SSI group exhibited significant differences in diabetes prevalence, MC prevalence, Total endplate score (TEPS) and area ratio of MC (P < 0.05). Age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)score, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), MC classification, and the location of MC in the endplate showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed on the variables with significant differences, and the results indicated a significant correlation between TEPS (P = 0.009) and the area ratio of MC changes (P = 0.001) with SSI. ROC curve analysis was performed on the TEPS and area ratio of MC changes, and the results showed that the diagnostic value of TEPS (AUC: 0.641; CI: 0.522–0.759) is lower than the area ratio of MC (AUC: 0.722; CI: 0.621–0.824), and the combined diagnosis did not significantly improve the diagnostic value (AUC: 0.747; CI: 0.653–0.842). The area ratio of MC had moderate diagnostic value for SSI (AUC: 0.722; CI: 0.621–0.824), with a cut-off value of 24.62% determined by the Youden index (sensitivity: 69.2%; specificity: 73.1%), and for every 1% increase in the area ratio of MC changes, the risk of SSI in MC patients increased by 10.3% (OR = 1.103; CI: 1.044–1.167).

Conclusion

The area ratio MC and the TEPS are independent risk factors for SSI after lumbar spine surgery. The predictive value of the area ratio of MC is greater than TEPS, and when the two are combined, the predictive value is not significantly improved. When the rate of MC exceeds 24.62%, caution should be exercised regarding the occurrence of SSI.
A graftless maxillary sinus lifting approach with simultaneous dental implant placement: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Albadani Mohammed M. , Elayah Sadam Ahmed , Al-Wesabi Mohammed Ali , Al-Aroomi Omar A. , Al Qadasy Nadia E. , Saleh Hussein
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to introduce a graftless sinus lifting approach with simultaneous dental implant placement in the alveolus of the posterior maxilla and compare this approach’s outcomes in freshly extracted sockets versus healed sockets.

Materials and methods

A prospective study was conducted on 60 patients aged between 27 and 59 years old, requiring dental implants in the posterior maxilla, and diagnosed with reduced vertical bone height (30 with freshly extracted sockets (group A) and the remaining 30 with healed sockets (group B). Before the sinus lifting approach, a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was taken, followed by another CBCT at least one-year post-sinus lifting (range: 12–36 months). Biological and mechanical complications were assessed, and the primary implant stability was measured using the Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ). Parametric data were analyzed using an independent t-test for intergroup comparisons, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

No significant differences were found among groups concerning gender, placement side, and follow-up. All dental implants demonstrated high survival rates with no observed biological or mechanical complications. Moreover, the primary implant stability was satisfactory, and there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.38). In terms of new intrasinus bone formation, both groups exhibited satisfactory and successful outcomes, with increased new bone formation in group A. However, there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.26). Regarding the vertical sinus floor elevation without new bone formation, group B showed (0.11 ± 0.64) mm of intrasinus implant height without bone formation, while group A showed an increment of bone formation above the intrasinus implant (0.22 ± 0.33) mm, with no statistically significant difference between both groups (P = 0.30).

Conclusion

Our approach proves to be predictable, low-cost, and efficient option for sinus lift procedures, demonstrating high survival rates with acceptable primary implant stability. Moreover, it yields satisfactory outcomes in terms of new intrasinus bone formation, both in freshly extracted and healed sockets. Consequently, our approach holds promise as a reliable procedure for sinus lifting with simultaneous dental implant placement.