bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in prevalence, associated comorbid burden, and subsequent mortality of social isolation: A gender perspective
Authors: Shu Xukai , Sun Zihui , Yang Yipeng , Huang Huiming , Guo Qian , Ye Linjie , Qiu Weida , Zhang Zhan , Wu Shike 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Social isolation has been a major public health issue associated with increased mortality. However, gender differences in social isolation have not been thoroughly characterized. This study aimed to estimate the gender differences in the trends in the prevalence of social isolation, evaluate the gender-based differences in its comorbid burden, and examine their subsequent associated mortality by gender.
Methods
This nationwide cross-sectional and prospective cohort study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Social isolation was measured using 4 dichotomized indicators. The Cochran-Armitage trend test and multivariate Poisson regression models were constructed to analyze the trends in social isolation and the longitudinal associations between social isolation and mortality by gender. All analyses were weighted to account for the multistage, probability-proportional-to-size sampling scheme.
Results
Among the 10197 participants, the mean age was 60.0 years, and 48.1% were men. The prevalence of social isolation was 20.8%, with an average age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) of 2.7 (± 1.8) and 1.5 (± 1.4) comorbidities. A significant downward trend in social isolation was observed in men, with a weighted prevalence of 19.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 17.7, 21.3) in 2011 and 14.1% (95% CI: 12.9, 15.4) in 2018 (P for trend < 0.001). In contrast, a stable trend in social isolation was noted in women, with a weighted prevalence of 24.0% (95% CI: 22.5, 25.6) in 2011 and 24.1% (95% CI: 22.7, 25.6) in 2018 (P for trend = 0.154). A steeper increase in ACCI and number of comorbidities was observed in women compared to men. (P for gender-by-social isolation score interaction < 0.001) Over a 9-year follow-up period, females with social isolation had more than double the risk of mortality (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 2.05, 95% CI: 1.65, 2.53), while males with social isolation had only a 60% increased IRR (95% CI: 1.31, 1.95) of all-cause mortality (P for interaction = 0.032).
Conclusion
Several gender differences in social isolation were observed, including the higher prevalence, heavier comorbid burdens, and a more prominent impact on mortality noted in women, highlighting the importance of enhancing family and social support for older adults, particularly in improving the socioeconomic statuses and rights of women.
Oral Health, DMFT and Disease Prevalence Among HIV-Positive Patients in Tabriz, Iran in 2024
Authors: Ghahremani Saman Khodavirdizadeh , Shayan Ramin Ghasemi , Kia Seyed Javad , Ghahremani Gholamreza Khodavirdizadeh , Sani Sahba Khosousi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background In HIV-positive patients, due to weak immunity, long-term use of drug treatment, stigma and discrimination, oral and dental problems are more common than in the non-affected population. Lack of adequate attention and planning to facilitate their access to oral and dental care and treatment services without stigma and discrimination and at low cost causes the reduction of referrals or concealment of the disease and as a result the exacerbation of the underlying oral and dental disease and the possibility of the disease spreading to the patient's relatives and health personnel.Materials and methods Demographic information of the patients was extracted from the counseling center software. After obtaining consent, the examination and filling of the questionnaire was done. The results were entered and analyzed in SPSS 26 software.Results Out of 134 patients studied, 96 were men and 38 were women. The average age of all patients was 44 years and the average duration of the disease was 106 months. Less than five percent of the patients were in the AIDS stage. The average DMFT of all patients was 16.7 and it had a significant correlation with smoking, drug use, education level and CD4 count. The prevalence of periodontal disease was 69%, angular cheilitis was 17.9% and aphthous ulcer was 16.4%. Mucosal lesions (candida, hairy leukoplakia and cancer) had a prevalence of less than five percent. The most important reasons for not receiving dental services were financial poverty (66%), stigma and discrimination (27%).Conclusion The prevalence of oral and dental diseases in patients with HIV is very high and it is necessary to include free or low-cost dental services without stigma and discrimination in the description of the duties of counseling, care and treatment centers for behavioral diseases.
Efficacy of Revisional Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Deng John , Wool Julia , Montecino Ronald Blanco , Arbaiza Alvaro Cadillo , Xie Luyu , Messiah Sarah E. , Matthew Sunil , Shiffer Shannon , Almandoz Jaime P. , Tavakkoli Anna 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Recurrent weight gain after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is common. Revisional endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (r-ESG) has been shown to be a promising endoscopic bariatric therapy (EBT) to treat weight recurrence after LSG. However, to date, weight loss outcomes beyond one-year follow-up are unknown. Our study aims to: 1) Examine one year, 18-month, and 24-month weight loss outcomes post-r-ESG; 2) Determine if weight loss outcomes post-LSG predict clinical outcomes post-r-ESG.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort data of patients who completed r-ESG from December 2020 to November 2023. The primary outcome was percentage of total body weight loss (TBWL) at one-year post-r-ESG. Secondary outcomes included TBWL at 18- and 24- month post-r-ESG. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of weight loss ≥ 5% at 12 months.
Results
A total of 55 patients completed r-ESG. TBWL post-r-ESG at 12-months was 8.6% (n = 37), at 18-months was 10.7% (n = 31), and at 24 months was 12.6% (n = 18) [Table 2] There were no statistically significant variables associated with weight loss ≥ 5% at 12 months [Table 3].
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that r-ESG is an effective and durable EBT for post-LSG weight recurrence. Further research is needed to determine optimal timing of r-ESG for weight recurrence as well as the adjunctive role of anti-obesity medications.
RMX1002 as monotherapy and in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody in advanced solid tumors: a phase I dose-escalation and expansion study
Authors: Liu Dan , Gong Jifang , Zhang Jian , Shu Yongqian , Wu Hao , Liu Tianshu , Xu Yanhua , Zhang Lijia , Li Min , Hu Xichun , Shen Lin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: RMX1002 (grapiprant) is a selective E-type prostanoid receptor 4 (EP4) antagonist and a promising candidate for cancer therapy, potentially enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of RMX1002 as monotherapy and in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody toripalimab for advanced solid tumors. Patients and Methods: This multicenter, phase I trial enrolled patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed advanced solid tumors. This study included three phases: Ia (dose-escalation of RMX1002 monotherapy from 200 to 650mg BID), Ib (dose-escalation from 500 to 650mg BID in combination with toripalimab), and Ic (dose-expansion of 500mg BID with toripalimab). Safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy were assessed.
Results: A total of 45 patients were enrolled (17 in phase Ia, 12 in phase Ib, and 16 in phase Ic). No dose-limiting toxicity was reported, and the MTD was not reached. Overall, 21 patients experienced RMX1002-related adverse events with CTCAE grade ≥3. Pharmacokinetics revealed rapid absorption of RMX1002 with the maximum concentration (Cmax) reached within 2 to 5 hours, and dose-dependent increases in Cmax and area under the concentration-time curve. The increase in urinary metabolite of PGE2 suggested the inhibition of EP4 signaling pathway. The best response of stable disease was reported in 64.7%, 28.6%, and 18.8% of patients in phase Ia, Ib, and Ic, respectively.
Conclusion: RMX1002 was well tolerated at the tested doses and showed signs of antitumor activity. RMX1002 500 mg BID with toripalimab 240 mg biweekly was selected as the recommended dose for future clinical trials.
Structural identification of the RY12 domain of RyR1 as an ADP sensor and the target of the malignant hyperthermia therapeutic dantrolene
Authors: Clarke Oliver , Kim Kookjoo , Li Huan , Yuan Qi , Melville Zephan , Zalk Ran , des Georges Amedee , Frank Joachim , Hendrickson Wayne , Marks Andrew 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening pharmacogenetic condition triggered by volatile anesthetics, which activate pathogenic RyR1 mutants. The small molecule therapeutic dantrolene has long been used to treat MH. However, the binding site and mechanism of dantrolene remain unclear. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of RyR1 bound to dantrolene and the MH trigger agent 4-chloro-m-cresol (4CmC), revealing the dantrolene and 4CmC binding sites in atomic detail. Dantrolene binds stacked with ATP or ADP in the RY12 domain at the corner of the receptor, inducing a conformational change in this domain which is allosterically coupled to pore closure. Functional analyses revealed that ATP or ADP was required for dantrolene inhibition, and a single point mutation that disrupts the peripheral ATP binding site abolished ATP/ADP-dependent dantrolene inhibition. Strikingly, in the absence of dantrolene, this site selectively binds two ADP molecules, suggesting a possible role in ATP/ADP ratio sensing.
Structures and maps can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/elb0vm1evd0y47lnt6mwz/RyR1_maps_and_models.zip?rlkey=0zguve9jievklj1fb9s3mburg&dl=0
SLC38A1 as a novel therapeutic target in upper tract urothelial carcinoma via regulating cell proliferation and migration through suppressing Akt/mTOR signaling
Authors: Cheng Yuan-Tso , Liu Yu-Liang , Tsai Wan-Chi , Chen Chien-Hsu , Kao Ying-Hsien , Chung Yueh-Hua 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has specific high prevalence in Asian population and, compared to bladder cancer, there are unique etiologic and genomic factors contributing to its tumorigenesis. Although up-regulation of sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 (SLC38A1) gene has been previously implicated as a promising therapeutic target for many tumors, the role of SLC38A1 in UTUC tumorigenesis, however, remains unknown. This study measured the expression levels of SLC38A1 protein in human renal pelvis carcinoma tissues and evaluated the effect of SLC38A1 gene silencing on behaviors of two UTUC cell lines, BFTC-909 and UM-UC-14. Immunohistochemical observation indicated that SLC38A1 was significantly up-regulated in UTUC lesion tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Using siRNA-mediated gene silencing approach, knockdown of SLC38A1 protein clearly showed inhibitory effects on proliferation and migration of UTUC cells. In addition, the SLC38A1 siRNA delivery significantly The SLC38A1 siRNA delivery effectively ameliorated the constitutive phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR, and simultaneously suppressed the expression of NF-κB and MMP-9 in the UTUC cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that SLC38A1 may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in UTUC, and strongly suggested that SLC38A1 silencing is a novel therapeutic strategy for UTUC treatment.
Patient and provider perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis healthcare access and delivery: A qualitative study of the complexities of a pandemic within a pandemic
Authors: Brehon Katelyn , Hung Pam , Miciak Maxi , Lau Angela , Heffernan Courtney , Ferrara Giovanni , Lim Rachel , Perreault Kadija , Weatherald Jason , Ronksley Paul E. , Stickland Michael K. , Gross Douglas P. , Lam Grace Y. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to explore patient and provider perspectives of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis healthcare access and service delivery.
Methods: We used Interpretive Description, a qualitative approach with the end-goal of informing decisions and actions in clinical practice. Levesque et al.’s “Conceptual framework of access to health care” informed the development of our interview guides. Interviews were conducted virtually and confidentially transcribed verbatim. Data generation and analysis occurred concurrently. Analysis was informed by Braun and Clarke’s six phases of reflexive thematic analysis. Strategies to enhance rigour and trustworthiness of the findings were utilized.
Results: We completed 15 interviews: 6 with patients and 9 with providers. Three key themes were generated: (a) Diagnostic hurdles created delay; (b) Hybrid services promote health equity; and (c) Navigating the complexities of a pandemic within a pandemic. Diagnosing tuberculosis was challenging even prior to the pandemic since some providers lacked experience and familiarity with the condition. The diagnostic process was further complicated with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, COVID-19 also introduced streamlined virtual care for patients which was convenient and improved access but was not viewed as being equivalent to in-person care. The intersection of the COVID-19 and tuberculosis pandemics created competition for limited resources while highlighting learnings that may positively impact future tuberculosis care.
Conclusions: Our findings can inform health system leadership about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted care of other public health threats like tuberculosis, helping to prepare more effectively and equitably for future challenges.
Staple-Related Midgut Volvulus Following Appendectomy: A Pediatric Case Report and a Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Montero Javier Arredondo , Villafañe Alicia Escudero , Ruiz María Rodríguez 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The development of an intestinal volvulus after an appendectomy is an exceptional and extremely serious complication. A 12-year-old female patient underwent surgery for uncomplicated acute appendicitis. The surgery and postoperative period were uneventful. Two and a half months later, she presented with an acute abdomen. Radiological studies confirmed a midgut volvulus and identified a free surgical staple close to it. A midgut volvulus secondary to a bridle in the mesenteric root was identified during surgery. Adhesiolysis and manual detorsion were performed, with adequate recovery of intestinal tissue perfusion. The free staple was not found during surgery. The patient evolved favorably and is asymptomatic and under follow-up. Although it is difficult to demonstrate a causal association, several post-appendectomy intestinal volvulus reported cases (including ours) seem related to free surgical staples in the peritoneal cavity acting as a mesenteric or intestinal anchor point. Thorough cavity cleaning after surgery, avoiding free staples, is essential to prevent this complication. A targeted computed tomography review can help identify free staples in the abdominal cavity.
Allied (Northern) Convoys and Lend-Lease 1941–1945: Exhibition Opening at the Russian State Hydrometeorological University
Authors: Solomonov V. Р. , Danilevskaya V. A. 
Published: December 2024

On September 24, 2024, the Russian State Hydrometeorological University (RSHMU, St. Petersburg, Russia) opened the exhibition entitled “Allied (Northern) Convoys and Lend-Lease 1941–1945”. The exhibition presents unique artefacts provided by the “Northern Convoys International Center” Foundation, including documents, awards, diaries, photographs, sailors’ everyday items, items of lend-lease supplies, family relics of the Northern Convoys veterans. Paintings by Russian and foreign artists dedicated to the Northern Convoys of the Great Patriotic War and World War II are exhibited for the first time.
Variability of hydrophysical fields under the influence of tides in the river plume frontal zone of the Onega Bay of the White Sea according to a study conducted in June 2023
Authors: Zimin A. V. , Atadzhanova O. A. , Svergun E. I. , Konik А. А. 
Published: December 2024

The results of a series of experiments conducted in June 2023 in the Onega Bay of the White Sea are presented. The study included quasi-temporal in situ and satellite observations in the vicinity of the river plume frontal area formed by the waters of the Onega River. The main objectives were to define the characteristics and dynamics of the area under the influence of tides, as well as to assess the causes of short-term spatial and temporal variability in the characteristics of thermohaline fields. The results show that tides have a significant effect on the structure of waters near the Lyamitsky shore. Here, a large contribution is made by fast-flowing water oscillations associated with short-term internal waves, which frequently occur near the frontal interface. The study demonstrates that the use of high-resolution optical and radar satellite imagery allows a more efficient analysis of frontal and wave dynamics, which is of great importance for understanding the peculiarities of local hydrodynamic processes in the water areas of tidal seas.
EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY FOOD PROGRAM AS AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE NUTRITION OF STUNTING TODDLERS IN THE WORK AREA OF THE PUSKESMAS KARANGDORO
Authors: 'Ulya Niswah Attazkiatul , Maharani Chatila 
Published: December 2024

The Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) in 2021 the prevalence of stunting was 24.4% and in 2022 the prevalence decreased by 2.8% to 21.6%. The prevalence of stunting in Central Java has decreased from 20.9% in 2021 to 20.8% in 2022. Karangdoro Health Center in 2023 has a prevalence of stunting with a total of 614 toddlers. One of the efforts in handling stunting cases is through a supplementary feeding program to achieve optimal nutritional status and prevent stunting. This study aims to determine the inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes in the implementation of the supplementary feeding program for stunting toddlers in the Karangdoro Puskesmas working area, East Semarang District in 2024. Using a qualitative approach with a case study design, 17 informants were selected by purposive sampling. Data collection using in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation was conducted in September 2024. The results of the input, process, output, and outcome research show that the implementation of the PMT program is good, but there are several things that have not run optimally such as the lack of educational media facilities and infrastructure, refusal to provide additional food from families of toddlers, lack of supervision and monitoring from nutrition implementers, as well as program achievements that have not been maximized and the decline in stunting rates that are still fluctuating. The supplementary feeding program in the Karangdoro Puskesmas working area requires improvement and monitoring or supervision from the puskesmas.
Association of Physiological Reserve Obtained from Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and Frailty with All-Cause Mortality in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Usui Naoto , Nakata Junichiro , Uehata Akimi , Kojima Sho , Ando Shuji , Saitoh Masakazu , Inatsu Akihito , Hisadome Hideki , Nishiyama Yuki , Suzuki Yusuke 
Published: December 2024

Key Points

This study analyzed the prognostic value of reserves obtained from cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients on hemodialysis.Each reserve (cardiac, autonomic, and muscular) was associated with mortality, with muscle reserve having the highest prognostic accuracy.Patients with physical frailty also had a fairly good prognosis if their physiological reserve is preserved by exercise testing.

Background
Potential impairment of exercise capacity is prevalent even in patients undergoing hemodialysis without frailty. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can detect physiological reserves, such as cardiopulmonary, muscle, and autonomic function. We hypothesized that these indices could accurately determine the prognosis of patients on hemodialysis and analyzed them on the basis of their relationship to frailty.

Methods
In this two-center prospective cohort study of patients on hemodialysis from Japan, patients underwent CPET and physical assessment to evaluate peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2, indicator of exercise capacity), peak work rate (WR, indicator of muscle function), ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2) slope (indicator of cardiac reserve), heart rate reserve (indicator of chronotropic incompetence), and frailty phenotype. Survival was followed up for up to 5 years.

Results
Data from 189 patients (median [interquartile range] age: 71 [62–77] years) were analyzed. All CPET indicators showed a consistent nonlinear relationship with all-cause mortality after adjustment: for peak VO2, hazard ratio (HR), 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71 to 0.88), P < 0.001; for peak WR, HR, 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93 to 0.97), P < 0.001; for VE/VCO2 slope, HR, 1.09 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.13), P < 0.001; and for heart rate reserve, HR, 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93 to 0.99), P = 0.02. Frailty phenotype was associated with mortality after adjustment (HR, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.06 to 2.81], P = 0.03); however, this association was not statistically significant in the model after adding peak VO2 (P = 0.41). Furthermore, in both subgroups with and without frailty, CPET measures were significantly associated with mortality risk (peak VO2, peak WR, and VE/VCO2 slope: P < 0.05). The peak VO2 (Δ area under the curve, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.16) or the peak WR (Δ area under the curve, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.15) most significantly improved the prognostic accuracy.

Conclusions
Results showed the fragile aspect of the frailty phenotype in the hemodialysis population and the superior ability of CPET to indicate death risk complementing that aspect.
Vection in Individuals with and without Concussion: Associations with Postural Responses and Visual Dependence
Authors: Gabriel Grace A. , Adams Meaghan S. , Keshavarz Behrang , Sergio Lauren E. , Campos Jennifer L. 
Published: December 2024

Background We investigated whether everyday situations that trigger post-concussion symptoms (i.e., dynamic visual scenes), induce vection (illusory self-motion) and/or affect postural stability. Materials & Methods Concussed and control participants were moved through a virtual grocery store, and rated their vection intensity. Postural sway during visual motion was measured. Baseline tests assessed concussion symptoms and sensory functioning, including visual dependence. Results Vection ratings were higher in concussed individuals than controls, and were predicted by faster visual speeds. Vection and visual speed also predicted postural sway in the concussion group. Visual dependence was positively associated with vection intensity and all postural measures. Conclusion These findings provide valuable insights for the development of future symptom-screening tools and rehabilitation strategies.