bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse among women in Sidama region, Ethiopia: A community-based survey
Authors: Siyoum Melese , Nardos Rahel , Teklesilasie Wondwosen , Astatkie Ayalew 
Published: July 2024

Background:Pelvic organ prolapse is a descent of the vaginal compartments and the surrounding organ due to loss of support of the vaginal tissue. It has a significant psychological, physical, and social impact that affects women’s quality of life. However, its true prevalence is unknown due to the variability in the methods used to diagnose the disorder.Objectives:This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse and its associated risk factors among women in Sidama region, Ethiopia.Study design:A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Dale–Wonsho Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Sidama region, from March to October 2023.Methods:A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling was used to select a sample of 816 women. Anatomical prolapse was diagnosed based on the standardized pelvic organ prolapse quantification method, and symptomatic prolapse was assessed by patient-reported symptoms. A complex survey-based modified Poisson regression was used to assess the risk factors associated with prolapse.Results:A total of 815 participated in the interview, and 779 (95.6%) underwent pelvic examination to assess for prolapse status. Anatomical prolapse (Stages II–IV) was observed in 241 (30.9%; 95% confidence interval = 24–38.7) of the participants. The prevalence of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse was 78.5% (95% confidence interval = 69.1–85.7) among women with anatomical prolapse (189/241). This prevalence falls to 24.27% (95% confidence interval = 19.98–29.16) for the total sample population. Higher frequency of childbirth, prolonged heavy lifting activities, and prolonged labor increased the likelihood of developing anatomical prolapse. Childbirth at an early age and prolonged heavy lifting activities were significantly associated with symptomatic prolapse.Conclusion:Anatomical prolapse and symptomatic prolapse are high in the study area. Parity, prolonged heavy lifting, prolonged labor, and early age childbirth were associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Community-based education and interventions that focus on the modification of risk factors are needed.
Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates Admitted to a Low-Resource Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Chishala Mavis , Machona-Muyunda Sylvia , Mwaba Chisambo 
Published: July 2024

Background: Neonatal acute kidney injury (nAKI) has been reported to be common among neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and is associated with increased mortality and prolonged duration of hospital stay. However, data on this entity from sub-Saharan Africa are scanty. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the burden, risk factors, and short-term outcomes of nAKI in neonates admitted to a low-resource NICU in Zambia. Design: The design of the study is a prospective cohort study. Setting: The setting of this study was the NICU at the Women and Newborn Hospital of the University Teaching Hospitals (WNBH-UTHs). Patients: In total, 322 neonates who were admitted to the NICU between November 2021 and December 2022. Methods: A serum creatinine was determined on all patients at admission (within 24 hours), at 72 hours and day 7. The modified neonatal Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) Criteria were used to define nAKI. Data were extracted using a predesigned form and analyzed using SPSS. A P-value less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of nAKI was 13.7% (44/322). On multivariable regression analysis, antepartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.62-19.13], P = .007), vomiting in the neonate (AOR 5.76; 95% CI: [1.10-30.32], P = .04), history of use of unit second-line antibiotics, meropenem (AOR 4.37; 95% CI: [1.97-9.69], P < .001), and ciprofloxacin (AOR 4.53; 95% CI: [1.22-16.84], P = .02) were associated with increased risk of nAKI. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was significantly associated with longer length of hospital stay and higher mortality ( P < .05). Limitations: The study did not use the urine output criteria to define nAKI and this may have led to an underestimation of nAKI prevalence. Additionally, kidney, ureter, and bladder ultrasound was not performed on any of the study participants. Conclusion: AKI is common in neonates admitted to the NICU at WNBH-UTHs, and it is associated with a higher risk of mortality and prolonged length of hospital stay. Further studies among the various NICU sub-populations are needed to better characterize risks and outcomes.
Retinal primary cilia and their dysfunction in retinal neurodegenerative diseases: beyond ciliopathies
Authors: Liu Xiaonan , Pacwa Anna , Bresciani Giorgia , Swierczynska Marta , Dorecka Mariola , Smedowski Adrian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPrimary cilia are sensory organelles that extend from the cellular membrane and are found in a wide range of cell types. Cilia possess a plethora of vital components that enable the detection and transmission of several signaling pathways, including Wnt and Shh. In turn, the regulation of ciliogenesis and cilium length is influenced by various factors, including autophagy, organization of the actin cytoskeleton, and signaling inside the cilium. Irregularities in the development, maintenance, and function of this cellular component lead to a range of clinical manifestations known as ciliopathies. The majority of people with ciliopathies have a high prevalence of retinal degeneration. The most common theory is that retinal degeneration is primarily caused by functional and developmental problems within retinal photoreceptors. The contribution of other ciliated retinal cell types to retinal degeneration has not been explored to date. In this review, we examine the occurrence of primary cilia in various retinal cell types and their significance in pathology. Additionally, we explore potential therapeutic approaches targeting ciliopathies. By engaging in this endeavor, we present new ideas that elucidate innovative concepts for the future investigation and treatment of retinal ciliopathies.
Detection and evaluation of parameters influencing the identification of heterozygous-enriched regions in Holstein cattle based on SNP chip or whole-genome sequence data
Authors: Mulim Henrique A. , Pedrosa Victor B. , Pinto Luis Fernando Batista , Tiezzi Francesco , Maltecca Christian , Schenkel Flavio S. , Brito Luiz F. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
A heterozygous-enriched region (HER) is a genomic region with high variability generated by factors such as balancing selection, introgression, and admixture processes. In this study, we evaluated the genomic background of HERs and the impact of different parameters (i.e., minimum number of SNPs in a HER, maximum distance between two consecutive SNPs, minimum length of a HER, maximum number of homozygous allowed in a HER) and scenarios [i.e., different SNP panel densities and whole-genome sequence (WGS)] on the detection of HERs. We also compared HERs characterized in Holstein cattle with those identified in Angus, Jersey, and Norwegian Red cattle using WGS data.

Results
The parameters used for the identification of HERs significantly impact their detection. The maximum distance between two consecutive SNPs did not impact HERs detection as the same average of HERs (269.31 ± 787.00) was observed across scenarios. However, the minimum number of markers, maximum homozygous markers allowed inside a HER, and the minimum length size impacted HERs detection. For the minimum length size, the 10 Kb scenario showed the highest average number of HERs (1,364.69 ± 1,483.64). The number of HERs decreased as the minimum number of markers increased (621.31 ± 1,271.83 to 6.08 ± 21.94), and an opposite pattern was observed for the maximum homozygous markers allowed inside a HER (54.47 ± 195.51 to 494.89 ± 1,169.35). Forty-five HER islands located in 23 chromosomes with high Tajima’s D values and differential among the observed and estimated heterozygosity were detected in all evaluated scenarios, indicating their ability to potentially detect regions under balancing selection. In total, 3,440 markers and 28 genes previously related to fertility (e.g., TP63, ZSCAN23, NEK5, ARHGAP44), immunity (e.g., TP63, IGC, ARHGAP44), residual feed intake (e.g., MAYO9A), stress sensitivity (e.g., SERPINA6), and milk fat percentage (e.g., NOL4) were identified. When comparing HER islands among breeds, there were substantial overlaps between Holstein with Angus (95.3%), Jersey (94.3%), and Norwegian Red cattle (97.1%), indicating conserved HER across taurine breeds.

Conclusions
The detection of HERs varied according to the parameters used, but some HERs were consistently identified across all scenarios. Heterozygous genotypes observed across generations and breeds appear to be conserved in HERs. The results presented could serve as a guide for defining HERs detection parameters and further investigating their biological roles in future studies.
Variations in photoperiods and their impact on yield, photosynthesis and secondary metabolite production in basil microgreens
Authors: Fayezizadeh Mohammad Reza , Ansari Naser Alemzadeh , Sourestani Mohammad Mahmoodi , Hasanuzzaman Mirza 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The effects of different photoperiods on plant phytochemical synthesis can be improved by adjusting the daily light integral. Photoperiod is one of the most important environmental factors that control growth, plant’s internal rhythm and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Information about the appropriate standard in terms of photoperiod for growing basil microgreens as one of the most important medicinal plants is limited. In this study, the effects of five different photoperiods, 6 (6 h × 3 cycles), 8 (8 h × 2 cycles), 16, 18, and 24 h day− 1 on the yield, photosynthesis and synthesis of secondary metabolites of three cultivars and one genotype of basil microgreens in floating system were evaluated. The purpose of this research was to determine the feasibility of using permanent light in growing basil microgreens and to create the best balance between beneficial secondary metabolites and performance.

Results
The results showed that the effects of photoperiod and cultivar on all investigated traits and their interaction on photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compounds, proline content and net photosynthesis rate were significantly different at the 1% level. The highest levels of vitamin C, flavonoids, anthocyanins, yield and antioxidant potential composite index (APCI) were obtained under the 24-h photoperiod. The highest antioxidant capacity was obtained for the Kapoor cultivar, and the highest total phenolic compound and proline contents were measured for the Ablagh genotype under a 24-h photoperiod. The highest yield (4.36 kg m− 2) and APCI (70.44) were obtained for the Ablagh genotype. The highest nitrate content was obtained with a photoperiod of 18 h for the Kapoor cultivar. The highest net photosynthesis rate was related to the Violeto cultivar under a 24-hour photoperiod (7.89 μmol CO2 m− 2 s− 1). Antioxidant capacity and flavonoids had a positive correlation with phenolic compounds and vitamin C. Yield had a positive correlation with antioxidant capacity, flavonoids, vitamin C, APCI, and proline.

Conclusions
Under continuous light conditions, basil microgreens resistance to light stress by increasing the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the increase of these biochemical compounds made basil microgreens increase their performance along with the increase of these health-promoting compounds. The best balance between antioxidant compounds and performance was achieved in continuous red + blue light. Based on these results, the use of continuous artificial LED lighting, due to the increase in plant biochemical with antioxidant properties and yield, can be a suitable strategy for growing basil microgreens in floating systems.
Risk factors associated with influenza A (H1N1)pdm09: a nested case control study of TB patients with ILI in Lahore District, Pakistan
Authors: Umbreen Gulshan , Rehman Abdul , Aslam Sadaf , Jabeen Chanda , Iqbal Muhammad , Riaz Aayesha , Sadiq Shakera , Maqsood Rubab , Rashid Hamad Bin , Afzal Saira , Arshad Nimra , Mushtaq Muhammad Hassan , Chaudhry Mamoona 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Co-morbidity with respiratory viruses including influenza A, cause varying degree of morbidity especially in TB patients compared to general population. This study estimates the risk factors associated with influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 in TB patients with ILI.

Methods
A cohort of tuberculosis (TB) patients who were admitted to and enrolled in a TB Directly Observed Therapy Program (DOTs) in tertiary care hospitals of Lahore (Mayo Hospital and Infectious Disease Hospital) were followed for 12 weeks. At the start of study period, to record influenza-like illness (ILI), a symptom card was provided to all the participants. Every participant was contacted once a week, in person. When the symptoms were reported by the participant, a throat swab was taken for the detection of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09. A nested case control study was conducted and TB patients with ILI diagnosed with influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 by conventional RT-PCR were selected as cases, while those who tested negative by conventional RT-PCR were enrolled as controls. All cases and controls in the study were interviewed face-to-face in the local language. Epidemiological data about potential risk factors were collected on a predesigned questionnaire. Logistic analysis was conducted to identify associated risk factors in TB patients with ILI.

Results
From the main cohort of TB patients (n = 152) who were followed during the study period, 59 (39%) developed ILI symptoms; of them, 39 tested positive for influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, while 20 were detected negative for influenza A (H1N1)pdm09. In univariable analysis, four factors were identified as risk factors (p < 0.05). The final multivariable model identified one risk factor (sharing of towels, P = 0.008)) and one protective factor (wearing a face mask, p = < 0.001)) for influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 infection.

Conclusion
The current study identified the risk factors of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 infection among TB patients with ILI.
Molecular epidemiology and virulence factors of group B Streptococcus in South Korea according to the invasiveness
Authors: Choi Jae Hong , Kim Tae Hyoung , Kim Eui Tae , Kim Young Ree , Lee Hyunju 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes invasive infections in newborns and elderly individuals, but is a noninvasive commensal bacterium in most immunocompetent people. Recently, the incidence of invasive GBS infections has increased worldwide, and there is growing interest in the molecular genetic characteristics of invasive GBS strains. Vaccines against GBS are expected in the near future. Here, we aimed to analyze the molecular epidemiology of GBS according to the invasiveness in South Korea.

Methods
We analyzed GBS isolates collected and stored in two hospitals in South Korea between January 2015 and December 2020. The invasiveness of these isolates was determined via a retrospective review of clinical episodes. Totally, 120 GBS isolates from 55 children and 65 adults were analyzed. Serotype and sequence type (ST) were determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multilocus sequence typing, respectively. Fourteen virulence factor-encoding genes of GBS were analyzed using multiplex PCR.

Results
Forty one (34.2%) were invasive infection-related GBS isolates (iGBS). The most frequently detected serotype was III (39/120, 32.5%), and it accounted for a high proportion of iGBS (21/41, 51.2%). The most frequent ST was ST19 (18/120, 15.0%), followed by ST2 (17/120, 14.2%). Serotype III/ST17 was predominant in iGBS (12/41, 29.3%), and all 17 ST2 strains were noninvasive. The distribution of most of the investigated virulence factors was not significantly related to invasiveness; noteworthily, most of the serotype III/ST17 iGBS carried pilus island (PI) 2b (10/12, 83.3%), and the prevalence of fbsB was significantly low compared with noninvasive GBS isolates (P = 0.004). Characteristically, the combination of bca(+)-cspA(+)-pavA(+)-fbsB(-)-rib(+)-bac(-) was predominant in iGBS (24.4%, 10/41).

Conclusions
Serotype III/ST17 GBS carrying PI-2b was frequently detected in iGBS. There was no significant association between invasiveness and the pattern of virulence factors; however, a specific combination of virulence factors was predominant in iGBS.
Hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes and platelets (HALP) score as a predictor of survival in patients with glioblastoma (GBM)
Authors: Demir Ozden , Demirag Guzin , Cakmak Furkan , Bayraktar Demet Işık , Tokmak Leman 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
We aimed to investigate whether the HALP score was a predictor of survival in patients with Glioblastoma (GBM).

Methods
A total of 84 Glioblastoma (GBM) patients followed in our clinic were included in the study. HALP scores were calculated using the preoperative hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet results of the patients. For the HALP score, a cut-off value was found by examining the area below the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Patients were divided into two groups as low and high according to this cut-off value. The relationships among the clinical, dermographic and laboratory parameters of the patients were examined using these two groups.

Results
Median OS, PFS, HALP score, NLR, PLR were 15 months (1.0–78.0), 8 months (1.0–66.0), 37.39 ± 23.84 (min 6.00-max 132.31), 4.14, 145.07 respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found between HALP score and OS, PFS, NLR, PLR, ECOG-PS status using Spearman’s rho test (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.026 respectively). For the HALP score, a cut-off value of = 37.39 (AUC = 0.698, 95% CI, p < 0.002) was found using ROC analysis. Median OS was 12 (6.99–17.01) months in the low HALP group and 21 (11.37–30.63) months in the high HALP group (p = 0.117). NLR and PLR were significantly lower in the HALP high group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). The ratio of receiving treatment was significantly higher in the high HALP group (p < 0.05). In Multivariate analysis, significant results were found for treatment status and ECOG-PS status (p < 0.001, p = 0.038 respectively).

Conclusions
The HALP score measured at the beginning of treatment seems to have predictive importance in the prognosis of GBM patients. A HALP score of > 37.39 was associated with prolonged survival in high-grade brain tumors.
The association between dietary, physical activity and the DNA methylation of PPARGC1A, HLA-DQA1 and ADCY3 in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a nest case-control study
Authors: Wang Yan , Ren Jianhua , Luo Biru 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with DNA methylation and lifestyle. The effects of DNA methylation on GDM, and the interaction between DNA methylation and lifestyle factors are not well elucidated. The objective of this study was to explore the association between GDM, DNA methylation and lifestyle factors.

Methods
A nest case-control design was performed. Sociodemographic data, dietary intake and daily physical activity information of pregnant women were collected. Bisulfate pyrosequencing was used to detect the DNA methylation level of PPARGC1A, HLA-DQA1, and ADCY3 genes. The differences of DNA methylation levels between the GDM group and the control group were compared. The correlation between clinical characteristics, dietary, physical activity and DNA methylation level was analyzed.

Results
A total of 253 pregnant women were enrolled, of which, 60 participants (GDM: 30; control: 30) were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences in DNA methylation levels of six methylated sites between the two groups in this study (P > 0.05). Daily intake of potato and poultry were associated with DNA methylation level of the CpG 1 site of the ADCY3 gene in all participants and the control group (P < 0.05). Duration of folic acid intake before pregnancy was correlated with the methylation level of the CpG 1 site of the ADCY3 gene in all participants (r = 0.341, P = 0.04) and the control group (r = 0.431, P = 0.025). Daily oil intake was correlated with the methylation level of CpG 2 (r = 0.627, P = 0.016) and CpG 3 (r = 0.563, P = 0.036) of PPARGC1A in the GDM group.

Conclusion
The association between the DNA methylation levels and GDM wasn’t validated. There were associations between dietary and DNA methylation in pregnant women. A large-sample-sized and longitudinal study is warranted to further investigate the impacts of lifestyle on DNA methylation.
Early intervention in Hirschsprung’s disease: effects on enterocolitis and surgical outcomes
Authors: Zhang Yunhan , Xiang Xiao , Li Xunfeng , Feng Wei , Guo Zhenhua 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The timing of surgical intervention for Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) has been a topic of continued discussion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of age at surgery in the management of HSCR by conducting a comparative analysis of the correlation between surgical age and midterm outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of children with HSCR who underwent one-stage laparoscopic assisted pull-through surgery with modified Swenson technology at our hospital between 2015 and 2019. The study population was stratified into two groups based on surgical age: patients who underwent surgery within a period of less than 3 months and those who underwent surgery between 3 and 12 months. The basic conditions, complications at 3–7 years after surgery, anal function (Rintala scale) and quality of life (PedsQLTM4.0) were compared between the groups.

Results
A total of 235 children (196 males and 39 females) were included in the study. No statistically significant differences in postoperative bowel function (P = 0.968) or quality of life (P = 0.32) were found between the two groups. However, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) among individuals under the age of three months prior to undergoing surgical intervention (69.1%) compared to the incidence observed postsurgery (30.9%). This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
In the current study, the age at which surgery was performed did not exhibit a discernible inclination towards influencing mid-term anal function or quality of life. Early surgical intervention can effectively diminish the occurrence of HAEC, minimize the extent of bowel resection, and expedite the duration of the surgical procedure.