bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic analysis of the global, regional, and national burden of fungal skin diseases from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Wang Hongping , Sun Fengjun , Wang Changquan , Ye Jin , Xia Peiyuan , Wang Wanneng , Wu Yaguang 
Published: December 2024

PurposeWe aimed to assess the burden of Fungal Skin Diseases (FSD) in 2021 and explore the changing trends from 1990 to 2021 across different age groups and time periods.MethodsThis study extracted three key indicators of the burden of FSD from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study: prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The results were presented using point estimates and Uncertainty Intervals (UIs), and secondary analysis was conducted on these data to assess the changing trends in the burden of FSD using percentage change.ResultsIn 2021, the global cases of prevalence, incidence, and DALYs of FSD were reported at 616.5 million, 1,729.2 million, and 3,429.5 thousand, respectively, an increase of approximately 68% since 1990. The age-standardized rates per 100,000 population for prevalence, incidence, and DALYs were 7,789.6, 21,668.4, and 43.4, respectively. These rates represent percentage increases of 6.21%, 3.74%, and 6.56% since 1990. In terms of age distribution, the ages for FSD-related prevalence, incidence, and DALYs peak cases globally were in the 5–9 age group, with distinct age groups observed in low and low-middle, middle, high-middle and high SDI regions at 5–9 years, 45–49 years, and 70–74 years, respectively.ConclusionOver the past 32 years, there has been a significant increase in the global burden of FSD. With improvements in the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), the age groups for FSD-related peak cases are gradually shifting towards older age groups. This indicates the need to allocate healthcare resources rationally to address the challenges arising from the significant differences in geographic distribution, gender, and among different populations.
miR-210 loss leads to widespread phenotypic and gene expression changes in human 293T cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Meng Zhen , Yang Chengyong , Wang Chenghao , Zhang Kexin , Shi Anxin , Guo Jingjing , Feng Yong , Zeng Yan 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionHypoxia responses are critical for myriad physiological and pathological processes, such as development, tissue repair, would healing, and tumorigenesis. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that exert their functions by inhibiting the expression of their target genes, and miR-210 is the miRNA universally and most conspicuously upregulated by hypoxia in mammalian systems. For its relationship to hypoxia, miR-210 has been studied extensively, yet no consensus exists on the roles and mechanisms of miR-210 in human physiological processes or diseases, and we know little about genuine miR-210 target genes in humans.MethodsTo better investigate the functions and mechanisms of human miR-210, therefore, we derived the human miR-210 gene knockout (KO) 293T cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We then examined the cellular phenotypes and gene expression profiles of 293T cells under normoxia and hypoxia conditions.Results and DiscussionWe found that the loss of miR-210 altered a variety of cellular phenotypes including proliferation and apoptosis. Subsequent global gene expression analyses identified plausible mechanisms underlying these phenotypic changes in 293T cells. In particular, we showed that miR-210 might target the expression of BNIP3L as a potential mechanism to suppress apoptosis. Surprisingly, the mRNA levels of most previously reported miR-210 target genes were not induced upon miR-210 KO, suggesting a need to reexamining and studying human miR-210 functions directly and comprehensively. Thus, our work established a human cellular system and opportunity to unravel the complexity of the regulatory networks by miR-210.
Prevalence of unintended pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women with disabilities in Ethiopia: from the social model of disability perspective
Authors: Anshebo Abebe Alemu , Larebo Yilma Markos , Behera Sujit , Gopalan Natarajan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundIn low-income countries, women with disabilities face numerous challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health services and experience high unintended pregnancy rates and adverse pregnancy outcomes, with 42% of cases ending in abortion. However, little is known about unintended pregnancy among women with disabilities in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and associated factors among women with disabilities in the Central Regional State of Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024, and multistage random sampling was used to enroll 572 study participants. The sample size was proportionally allocated to each zone, district and kebele. The Kobo Toolbox was used for data collection and cleaning, and the Statistical Package for Social Science version 26 was used for analysis. The multivariable analysis was used to identify the factors significantly associated with unintended pregnancy using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR), a 95% confidence interval (CI), and a p-value less than 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 43.8% (95% CI: 39.5, 47.8) in the Central Ethiopia Regional State, Ethiopia. The significantly associated factors were household size (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 2.6, 7.9), awareness of pregnancy intention (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI:1.4, 4.1), domestic violence (AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 3.4, 10.4), accessibility of service (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.4), discrimination by care providers (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5, 2.9), disability-unfriendly health facility structure (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.40), and negative community attitudes (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.7, 4.3). The overall direction of the associated variables’ effect was positive.ConclusionThis study sheds light on the need for disability-inclusive and sensitive healthcare services. Therefore, to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare targeted under the Sustainable Development Goals, the Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ministry of Health, Regional Health Bureau, and health facilities authorities should pay attention to improving awareness on pregnancy intention and domestic violence and ensuring accessible, inclusive, and equitable maternal health care for women with disabilities.
Impact of Janus kinase inhibitors and methotrexate on interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Kurushima Shota , Koga Tomohiro , Umeda Masataka , Iwamoto Naoki , Miyashita Ritsuko , Tokito Takatomo , Okuno Daisuke , Yura Hirokazu , Ishimoto Hiroshi , Kido Takashi , Sakamoto Noriho , Ueki Yukitaka , Mukae Hiroshi , Kawakami Atsushi 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesLittle is known about how various treatments impact the progression of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Here, we compared ILD progression in RA patients treated with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) or biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). In vitro experiments were also performed to evaluate the potential effects of the drugs on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key event in pulmonary fibrosis.MethodsThis retrospective study included 93 RA-ILD patients who initiated treatment with JAKi, tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), or abatacept between 2017 and 2020. Worsening ILD was quantified by changes in chest computed tomography (CT) scans between baseline and follow-up (mean 14 months, range 6–51 months). Response to treatment was evaluated using Disease Activity Score-28 with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). Expression of the EMT marker N-cadherin in A549 lung cells was assessed by western blotting.Results and discussionWorsening ILD was detected in 19.4% (7/36), 16.7% (5/30), and 22.2% (6/27) of patients treated with JAKi, abatacept, and TNFi, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified female gender (P=0.043) and &gt;10% fibrotic lesions (P=0.015) as significant predictors of worsening ILD. DAS28-ESR-based non-responder status was also significantly associated with worsening ILD (P=0.0085). In vitro, combination treatment with methotrexate and baricitinib significantly impeded EMT progression. Worsening ILD was associated with more extensive fibrotic lesions at baseline and female gender in RA patients treated with JAKi or bDMARDs. JAKi and methotrexate co-treatment may prove beneficial in modifying key events underlying the pathogenesis of RA-ILD.
Magnitude and associated factors of preoperative anemia among adult elective surgical patients at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024
Authors: Biset Wondimnew Mersha , Nasser Nura , Tolu Lemi Belay , Tsega Nuhamin Tesfa , Abraha Mebratu 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPreoperative anemia is a common hematologic public health problem among elective surgical patients. Preoperative anemia complications independently increase the risk of perioperative complications and mortality rate. Despite this complication, there is a scarcity of evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of preoperative anemia among adult elective surgical patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the magnitude and associated factors of preoperative anemia among adult elective surgical patients at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to 30, 2024 at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select eligible study participants. Chart review and a structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire were employed. Kobo toolbox was used to collect the data and exported to SPSS version 25 software for data cleaning, coding, and analysis. Binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with preoperative anemia. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% CI and a p-value of ≤0.05 was used to declare a statistical association.ResultsA total of 247 study participants were included in the analysis, giving a response rate of 98.8%. Majority (68%) of the participants were from urban areas. The median age of the patient was 38 (IQR ± 32) years. The magnitude of preoperative anemia was found to be 27.1% (95% CI: 21.9, 33.1). Being female (AOR = 3.44; 95%CI: 1.53, 7.73), being overweight (AOR = 0.26; 95%CI: 0.10, 0.88), and having infection and injury/trauma as indications for surgery (AOR = 4.59; 95%CI: 1.62, 12.96) and (AOR = 3.58; 95%CI: 1.35, 9.49) were significantly associated with preoperative anemia.ConclusionIn this study, more than one-fourth of the study participants had preoperative anemia. To decrease this public health problem, it is better to screen at risk patients, specifically females and trauma patients during the preoperative visit and disseminate information about a healthy diet and the prevention and treatment of anemia through health education.
Risk stratification and contributing factors of deep vein thrombosis among patients admitted at Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, Ethiopia in 2024
Authors: Mitiku Haymanot Zeleke , Assefa Addis Birtukan , Edmealem Afework , Tsegaye Dejen , Biyazin Yalemgeta , Abate Abebe 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionDeep vein thrombosis is a serious condition and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Studies conducted in various hospitals in Ethiopia have reported that the prevalence rates of deep vein thrombosis range from approximately 5–10% among hospitalized patients. The risk stratification of deep vein thrombosis and the identification of associated risk factors are critical for assessing deep vein thrombosis in hospital settings. Wells scoring provides a valuable framework for assessing individual risk. This study aims to assess the risk stratification of deep vein thrombosis and to identify the risk factors among patients admitted at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.MethodA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024. The study included 423 adult patients, and the data were collected using a structured questionnaire and chart review. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted after performing the model test.ResultThe prevalence of deep vein thrombosis was found to be 7.9%, with 44.2% categorized as having no risk, 8.1% as moderate risk, and 47.7% as high risk for deep vein thrombosis stratification. Various risk factors, such as regular alcohol consumption (odd ratio 4.59, p = 0.032), a previous history of deep vein thrombosis (odd ratio 28.32, p = 0.000), the presence of a central catheter (odd ratio 12.92, p = 0.000), a severe lipid profile (odd ratio 3.8, p = 0.001), and a longer duration of stay in the ward (odd ratio 1.28, p = 0.000), were significantly associated with high risk for deep vein thrombosis stratification.ConclusionThe prevalence of high-risk deep vein thrombosis stratification was found to be high, and the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis was also high within this risk group. Regular alcohol consumption, a previous history of deep vein thrombosis, the presence of a central catheter, a severe lipid profile, and a longer duration of stay in the ward were statistically significant for high-risk deep vein thrombosis stratification. This study highlights the importance of identifying patients who are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis stratification and addressing the risk factors for deep vein thrombosis stratification.
Difficult-to-treat psoriatic arthritis: refining the definition using a statistical model in a real-life cohort
Authors: Favalli Ennio Giulio , Biganzoli Giacomo , Cincinelli Gilberto , Ferrito Matteo , Luconi Ester , Manara Maria , Biggioggero Martina , Boracchi Patrizia , Caporali Roberto 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThe study aims to evaluate the applicability of the D2T psoriatic arthritis (PsA) definition, adapted from rheumatoid arthritis, within a single-center observational cohort of PsA patients treated with b/tsDMARDs. In addition, we aimed to establish a numerical index defining D2T-PsA based on the ratio of observed to expected failed b/tsDMARDs and to develop a predictive model identifying features associated with the D2T condition.MethodsThe study included 267 consecutive adult PsA patients receiving b/tsDMARDs, collecting demographic, clinical, and clinimetric data. The prevalence of D2T PsA patients was assessed using a proposed definition. We then developed a predictive model to assess treatment difficulty, utilizing PsA-normalized failed b/tsDMARDs. A generalized linear model was applied to identify clinical and demographic features associated with D2T PsA, employing a bagging procedure for robust variable selection, followed by univariate and multivariable analyses.ResultsAmong the 267 patients, only 8 of them (2.9%) met the proposed D2T PsA criteria. In a subset of 177 patients analyzed using the predictive model, 17.2% of them demonstrated higher treatment difficulty. Univariate analysis revealed associations between treatment difficulty and female sex, psoriasis pattern, fibromyalgia, and steroid therapy. Multivariate analysis confirmed significant associations between fibromyalgia, nail and pustular psoriasis, and steroid use.ConclusionAccording to the predictive model, the proposed D2T PsA definition identified a small subset of patients with increased treatment difficulty. These findings highlight the need for refining the criteria to better define D2T PsA patients, providing valuable insights into managing complex treatment challenges in PsA.
Inhibition of biofilm formation and preformed biofilm in Acinetobacter baumannii by resveratrol, chlorhexidine and benzalkonium: modulation of efflux pump activity
Authors: Migliaccio Antonella , Stabile Maria , Triassi Maria , Dé Emmanuelle , De Gregorio Eliana , Zarrilli Raffaele 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe persistence of Acinetobacter baumannii in the contaminated environment is sustained by tolerance to biocides and ability to growth as biofilm. The aim of the study was to analyze the susceptibility of A. baumannii biofilms to chlorhexidine (CHX) and benzalkonium (BZK) biocides and the ability of natural monomeric stilbenoid resveratrol (RV) to modulate the phenomenon.MethodsBiofilm formation and preformed biofilm were tested by Crystal violet and tetrazolium salt reduction assay, respectively. Analysis of efflux pump (EP) expression during biofilm growth was performed by Real-time RT-PCR assays.ResultsCHX and BZK at ¼ and ½ MICs alone or in combination inhibited biofilm growth of A. baumannii ATCC 19606, 4190, and 3909 strains. RV at 32 mg/L and CHX and BZK at ¼ or ½ MICs showed a synergistic effect and completely inhibited biofilm formation in all A. baumannii strains. Similarly, RV at 32 mg/L and CHX and BZK at ½ MIC significantly inhibited air-liquid biofilm formation of A. baumannii ATCC 19606, 4190 and 3909 strains. The inactivation of AdeB and AdeJ RND EPs in A. baumannii ATCC19606 increased the susceptibility to CHX and BZK alone or in the presence of 32 mg/L RV. Concordantly, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazine (CCCP) increased the susceptibility to CHX, BZK and RV and dose-dependently inhibited biofilm formation in A. baumannii ATCC 19606, 4190 and 3909 strains. RV at 32 mg/L inhibited basal and CHX-induced EP genes expression, while increased EP gene expression in the presence of BZK during A. baumannii ATCC19606 biofilm growth. In addition, CHX and BZK alone or in combination dose-dependently reduced preformed biofilm of all A. baumannii strains. The combination of RV with CHX and BZK additively decreased minimal biofilm eradicating concentrations in A. baumannii strains.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that: (i) CHX and BZK alone or in the presence of RV inhibit biofilm growth and preformed biofilm in A. baumannii; (ii) tolerance to CHX and BZK during biofilm growth is dependent on the activation of AdeB and AdeJ EPs; and (iii) the inhibitory effect of RV on biofilm growth is mediated by the inhibition of EP genes expression in A. baumannii.
Traumatic cervical spinal cord injury in southeastern Norway: acute treatment, specialized rehabilitation referral and mortality
Authors: Brommeland Tor , Strøm Mona , Mirzamohammadi Jalal , Glott Thomas , Linnerud Hege , Rønning Pål Andre , Rizvi Syed Ali Mujtaba , Holla Torjus Mogstad , Høydal Birgitte Jensen , Biernat Donata , Aarhus Mads , Helseth Eirik 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundTraumatic cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) is a serious condition that requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach involving care at a neurotrauma center (NTC) and specialized rehabilitation. Contemporary population-based studies of cSCI are important for ensuring the quality and planning of health care approaches for these patients.MethodsThis is a population-based cohort study of patients with traumatic cSCI who were admitted to the NTC in Southeast Norway between 2015 and 2022. The main outcome variables were length of stay (LOS), rate of surgical fixation/stabilization, rate of transfer to specialized rehabilitation, and 90-day mortality. Uni-and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the effect of different covariates on LOS, transfer to specialized rehabilitation and 90-day mortality.ResultsThe median age of the 370 patients admitted to the NTC was 64 years, 75% were males, 40% had severe comorbidities, 45% had multiple injuries, and 67% underwent primary triage at a local hospital (LH). Surgical cervical stabilization/decompression was performed in 78% of the patients. The median LOS at the NTC was 9 days, and increasing LOS was significantly associated with young age, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade B, surgery and prolonged ventilatory support. Inpatient specialized rehabilitation was provided to 54% of patients. Receiving specialized rehabilitation was associated with younger age, preinjury independent living, more severe cSCI, no need for acute phase tracheostomy, and surgical stabilization/decompression. Only 6% of the octogenarians received specialized rehabilitation. The 90-day mortality rate was 13%, which was associated with older age, preinjury dependent living, more severe cSCI, upper cervical injuries, and days on ventilator and inversely correlated with LOS.ConclusionAdvanced age, especially among octogenarians, was significantly linked to a lack of specialized rehabilitation. Qualified physicians should assess all patients with cSCI for their need of rehabilitation and their potential to benefit from it. If the number of patients who are likely to respond to rehabilitation outnumbers the capacity of the rehabilitation center, we have two choices. Either guidelines for prioritization of patients for rehabilitation should be developed, or the capacity of the rehabilitation centers should be increased.
A sex-specific effect of M4 muscarinic cholinergic autoreceptor deletion on locomotor stimulation by cocaine and scopolamine
Authors: Berezovskaia Anna , Thomsen Morgan , Fink-Jensen Anders , Wörtwein Gitta 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveAcetylcholine modulates the activity of the direct and indirect pathways within the striatum through interaction with muscarinic M4 and M1 receptors. M4 receptors are uniquely positioned to regulate plasticity within the direct pathway and play a substantial role in reward and addiction-related behaviors. However, the role of M4 receptors on cholinergic neurons has been less explored. This study aims to fill this gap by addressing the role of M4 receptors on cholinergic neurons in these behaviors.MethodsTo investigate the significance of M4-dependent inhibitory signaling in cholinergic neurons we created mutant mice that lack M4 receptors on cholinergic neurons. Cholinergic neuron-specific depletion was confirmed using in situ hybridization. We aimed to untangle the possible contribution of M4 autoreceptors to the effects of the global M4 knockout by examining aspects of basal locomotion and dose-dependent reactivity to the psychostimulant and rewarding properties of cocaine, haloperidol-induced catalepsy, and examined both the anti-cataleptic and locomotion-inducing effects of the non-selective anticholinergic drug scopolamine.ResultsBasal phenotype assessment revealed no developmental deficits in knockout mice. Cocaine stimulated locomotion in both genotypes, with no differences observed at lower doses. However, at the highest cocaine dose tested, male knockout mice displayed significantly less activity compared to wild type littermates (p = 0.0084). Behavioral sensitization to cocaine was similar between knockout and wild type mice. Conditioned place preference tests indicated no differences in the rewarding effects of cocaine between genotypes. In food-reinforced operant tasks knockout and wild type mice successfully acquired the tasks with comparable performance results. M4 receptor depletion did not affect haloperidol-induced catalepsy and scopolamine reversal of catalepsy but attenuated scopolamine-induced locomotion in females (p = 0.04). Our results show that M4 receptor depletion attenuated the locomotor response to high doses of cocaine in males and scopolamine in females, suggesting sex-specific regulation of cholinergic activity.ConclusionDepletion of M4 receptors on cholinergic neurons does not significantly impact basal behavior or cocaine-induced hyperactivity but may modulate the response to high doses of cocaine in male mice and the response to scopolamine in female mice. Overall, our findings suggest that M4-dependent autoregulation plays a minor but delicate role in modulating specific behavioral responses to pharmacological challenges, possibly in a sex-dependent manner.