bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting factors of blood pressure normalization in hypertensive patients after short-term follow-up
Authors: Sall Fatouma , Meneas Gueu Christophe , Siransy Balayssac Ahou Edwige , N’cho Mottoh Marie-Paule , Kpi Yannik-Hermann , N’guessan Ismael , Assi Vierge Marie , Diby Florent , Adoubi Anicet 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionNormalization of blood pressure in hypertensive patients is a major challenge for practitioners. Knowledge of the factors associated with normalization of blood pressure could help optimize management of these hypertensive patients. In this study, we analysed the factors predictive of this in a population of hypertensive patients followed as outpatients in a specialised department.Patients and methodsRetrospective and analytic study (January 2021–May 2022) of adult hypertensive patients over 40 years old who had been receiving antihypertensive treatment as outpatients in the Cardiology Department of the Bouake Teaching Hospital for at least 6 months. We studied the epidemiological and clinical parameters as well as the factors involved in the normalization of blood pressure in this population. Statistical analysis was performed using SPPS version 26 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).ResultsWe collected 194 patients records (57.7% women). The mean age was 59.13 years [extremes: 40–89 years]. One hundred and nine (56.2%) patients had a low socioeconomic status and 151 (77.83%) had at least 2 cardiovascular risk factors. The mean systolic blood pressure on admission was 171.12 ± 22.38 mmHg [extremes: 140–259 mmHg] and the mean diastolic blood pressure was 97.98 ± 17.83 mmHg [extremes: 60–168 mmHg]. First-line treatment consisted of dual anti-hypertensive therapy (n = 133; 68.55%) and fixed combination (n = 152; 78.35%). Only 25.25% (n = 49) of patients achieved normalization of blood pressure with therapeutic adherence estimated at 37.62% (n = 73). In multivariate analysis adjusted for anti-hypertensive treatment adherence, age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.002–1.059; p = 0.039), absence of alcoholism (OR = 9.48; 95% CI = 2.13–42.11; p = 0.003), number of cardiovascular risk factors &lt;2 (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.06–2.16; p = 0.021), normalization of uricemia (OR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.00–1.11; p = 0.039) and natraemia (OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00–1.03; p = 0.021), dual therapy (OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.18–0.90; p = 0.027), change in treatment for optimization (OR = 4.22; 95% CI = 1.71–10.37; p = 0.002), intellectual education (OR = 10.40; 95% CI = 4.31–25.10; p &lt; 0.001) and health insurance (OR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.04–0.21; p &lt; 0.001) were the main factors predicting normalization of blood pressure.ConclusionControl of cardiovascular risk factors and compliance with treatment are the main factors in normalizing blood pressure.
Endometriosis and aspirin: a systematic review
Authors: Yang Yi , Lai HanHong , Li ZhengJuan , Zhang Jun 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionEndometriosis is delineated as a benign yet steroid-dependent disorder characterized by the ectopic presence of endometrial glandular and stromal cells outside the uterine cavity, affecting estimated 10%–15% of women of reproductive age, 20%–50% of all women with infertility and costing a great economic burden per-patient. Endometriosis exerts pervasive influence on multiple facets of female reproductive physiology. Given its characterization as a chronic inflammatory disorder, escalated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were unequivocally recognized as well-established characteristics of endometriosis, which might attribute to mechanisms like retrograde menstruation, progesterone receptor resistance, and immune dysregulation. Therapeutic utilization of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, analgesic agent for reducing pain, inflammation, and fever, could be holding promise in augmenting reproductive outcomes of endometriosis women. Therefore, the objective of this comprehensive review is to elucidate the intricate interplay between endometriosis and aspirin, both within the context of infertility and beyond. We meticulously explore potential pharmacological agents targeting endometriosis, which may concurrently optimize the efficacy of reproductive interventions, while also delving into the underlying mechanistic pathways linking endometriosis with inflammatory processes.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search in the data available in PubMed and the Web of Science using the terms ‘endometriosis’ and ‘aspirin’. Then analyzed the identified articles based on established inclusion and exclusion criteria independently by three reviewers.ResultsThe survey of the chosen terms revealed 72 articles, only 10 of which were considered for review.DiscussionBased on the research available currently, it is not substantial enough to address the conclusion that aspirin shall be an effective therapeutic choice for endometriosis, further studies are needed to elucidate the efficacy, safety profile, and optimal dosing regimens of aspirin in the context of endometriosis treatment.
Impact of anti-fracture medications on bone material and strength properties: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Shankar Vijay , Rajender Singh , Mithal Ambrish , Rao Sudhaker D. , Chattopadhyay Naibedya 
Published: August 2024

Background and aimsReduced bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitectural deterioration contribute to increased fracture risk. Although the effects of anti-fracture medications (AFMs) on BMD are well-documented, their impact on bone material properties (BMPs) remains poorly characterized. Accordingly, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of AFMs on BMPs. Based on data availability, we further categorized AFMs into anti-resorptives, bisphosphonates alone, and strontium ranelate subgroups to perform additional analyses of BMPs in osteoporotic patients.MethodsWe did a comprehensive search of three databases, namely, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using various permutation combinations, and used Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software to analyze the extracted data.ResultsThe 15 eligible studies (randomized and non-randomized) compared the following: (1) 301 AFM-treated patients with 225 on placebo; (2) 191 patients treated with anti-resorptives with 131 on placebo; (3) 86 bisphosphonate-treated patients with 66 on placebo; and (4) 84 strontium ranelate-treated patients with 70 on placebo. Pooled analysis showed that AFMs significantly decreased cortical bone crystallinity [standardized difference in means (SDM) −1.394] and collagen maturity [SDM −0.855], and collagen maturity in cancellous bone [SDM −0.631]. Additionally, anti-resorptives (bisphosphonates and denosumab) significantly increased crystallinity [SDM 0.387], mineral–matrix ratio [SDM 0.771], microhardness [SDM 0.858], and contact hardness [SDM 0.952] of cortical bone. Anti-resorptives increased mineral–matrix ratio [SDM 0.543] and microhardness [SDM 0.864] and decreased collagen maturity [SDM −0.539] in cancellous bone. Restricted analysis of only bisphosphonate-treated studies showed a significant decrease in collagen maturity [SDM −0.650] in cancellous bone and an increase in true hardness [SDM 1.277] in cortical bone. In strontium ranelate-treated patients, there was no difference in BMPs compared to placebo.ConclusionCollectively, our study suggests that AFMs improve bone quality, which explains their anti-fracture ability that is not fully accounted for by increased BMD in osteoporosis patients.
Medico-legal management of healthcare-associated infections: a cost-effectiveness analysis in an Italian tertiary hospital
Authors: Grassi Simone , Grazzini Maddalena , Guerini Marta , Bertana Giorgio , Pompeo Linda , Paolini Diana , Niccolini Fabrizio , Focardi Martina , Pinchi Vilma 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionHealthcare-associated infections are the main reported adverse event in healthcare, with significant economic costs that include those caused by medical malpractice claims. In Italy, there is a fault-based compensation system, but in this specific field, the burden of proof on the hospitals is particularly heavy. Hence, we aimed to verify the economic impact of the inclusion of experts in hospital infection surveillance into internal committees for claims assessment and to evaluate what would have been the economic impact of a mandatory no-fault system rather than the current system.Materials and methodsWe compared two 4-year periods (T1: 2015–2018 and T2: 2019–2022), investigating the medical malpractice claims related to healthcare-associated infections in a large tertiary public hospital in Florence, Italy. Decisions of the internal committee, evolutions of the claims after the decision, and conclusions of the claims were registered. No-fault system simulations were used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the model.ResultsWe observed a decrease in the number of claims after the implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) experts into the committee (a 24% decrease in rejections and a 19% increase in admissions). We found a 6806.98 euros difference (not statistically significant) in compensations in T1 and T2. Moreover, our simulations found that a no-fault compensation system – if alternative to the traditional fault-based approach – could lead to gains or losses for the plaintiffs depending on the approach chosen. (We observed a 52% mean decrease in compensations with a 150000 euros maximal indemnity and a 134% mean increase with an indemnity tailored considering also life expectancy).DiscussionIntroducing experts in IPC into hospital committees for medico-legal claims management has proven to be cost-effective, offering a no-fault compensation system as an alternative to the traditional fault-based approach, supported by a properly evaluated maximal indemnity. Due to the limitations of our models, multicentric studies are recommended to verify our results.
Stability of infraslow correlation structure in time-shifted intracranial EEG signals
Authors: Joshi Rasesh B. , Duckrow Robert B. , Goncharova Irina I. , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Spencer Dennis D. , Godwin Dwayne W. , Zaveri Hitten P. 
Published: August 2024

It is increasingly understood that the epilepsies are characterized by network pathology that can span multiple spatial and temporal scales. Recent work indicates that infraslow (&lt;0.2 Hz) envelope correlations may form a basis for distant spatial coupling in the brain. We speculated that infraslow correlation structure may be preserved even with some time lag between signals. To this end, we studied intracranial EEG (icEEG) data collected from 22 medically refractory epilepsy patients. For each patient, we selected hour-long background, awake icEEG epochs before and after antiseizure medication (ASM) taper. For each epoch, we selected 5,000 random electrode contact pairs and estimated magnitude-squared coherence (MSC) below 0.15 Hz of band power time-series in the traditional EEG frequency bands. Using these same contact pairs, we shifted one signal of the pair by random durations in 15-s increments between 0 and 300 s. We aggregated these data across all patients to determine how infraslow MSC varies with duration of lag. We further examined the effect of ASM taper on infraslow correlation structure. We also used surrogate data to empirically characterize MSC estimator and to set optimal parameters for estimation specifically for the study of infraslow activity. Our empirical analysis of the MSC estimator showed that hour-long segments with MSC computed using 3-min windows with 50% overlap was sufficient to capture infraslow envelope correlations while minimizing estimator bias and variance. The mean MSC decreased monotonically with increasing time lag until 105 s of lag, then plateaued between 106 and 300 s. Significantly nonzero infraslow envelope MSC was preserved in all frequency bands until about 1 min of time lag, both pre- and post-ASM taper. We also saw a slight, but significant increase in infraslow MSC post-ASM taper, consistent with prior work. These results provide evidence for the feasibility of examining infraslow activity via its modulation of higher-frequency activity in the absence of DC-coupled recordings. The use of surrogate data also provides a general methodology for benchmarking measures used in network neuroscience studies. Finally, our study points to the clinical relevance of infraslow activity in assessing seizure risk.
Perioperative and mid-term outcomes of robotic-assisted versus video-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a retrospective propensity-matched analysis of 842 patients
Authors: Huang Jiang-shan , Zhu Jia-fu , Zhong Qi-hong , Guo Fei-long , Lin Yu-kang , Zhang Zhen-yang , Lin Jiang-bo 
Published: August 2024

AimComparing the safety, effectiveness, and mid-term survival rates of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) and video-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (VAMIE).MethodsA total of 842 patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy were analyzed, including 694 patients in VAMIE group and 148 in RAMIE group. PSM analysis was applied to generate matched pairs for further comparison. Operative outcomes, postoperative complications and Mid-term outcomes were compared between all patients in matched groups.ResultsAfter 1:4 PSM, 148 patients in the RAMIE and 592 patients in the VAMIE. Compared to VAMIE, RAMIE exhibited earlier removal of chest and neck drainage tubes, shorter postoperative hospital stays, and a higher number of lymph node dissections. However, the surgical duration of RAMIE was longer than that of VAMIE. Postoperative complications were no statistically significant between the RAMIE and VAMIE groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the 3-year OS and DFS between the two groups.ConclusionCompared to VAMIE, RAMIE emerges as a viable and safe surgical approach and suggests RAMIE as a potential alternative to minimally invasive esophagectomy.
Mitochondrial related variants associated with cardiovascular traits
Authors: Cañadas-Garre Marisa , Maqueda Joaquín J. , Baños-Jaime Blanca , Hill Claire , Skelly Ryan , Cappa Ruaidhri , Brennan Eoin , Doyle Ross , Godson Catherine , Maxwell Alexander P. , McKnight Amy Jayne 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionCardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for over 30% of mortality worldwide. CVD arises from the complex influence of molecular, clinical, social, and environmental factors. Despite the growing number of autosomal genetic variants contributing to CVD, the cause of most CVDs is still unclear. Mitochondria are crucial in the pathophysiology, development and progression of CVDs; the impact of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants and mitochondrial haplogroups in the context of CVD has recently been highlighted.AimsWe investigated the role of genetic variants in both mtDNA and nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes (NEMG) in CVD, including coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and serum lipids in the UK Biobank, with sub-group analysis for diabetes.MethodsWe investigated 371,542 variants in 2,527 NEMG, along with 192 variants in 32 mitochondrial genes in 381,994 participants of the UK Biobank, stratifying by presence of diabetes.ResultsMitochondrial variants showed associations with CVD, hypertension, and serum lipids. Mitochondrial haplogroup J was associated with CAD and serum lipids, whereas mitochondrial haplogroups T and U were associated with CVD. Among NEMG, variants within Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 (NOS3) showed associations with CVD, CAD, hypertension, as well as diastolic and systolic blood pressure. We also identified Translocase Of Outer Mitochondrial Membrane 40 (TOMM40) variants associated with CAD; Solute carrier family 22 member 2 (SLC22A2) variants associated with CAD and CVD; and HLA-DQA1 variants associated with hypertension. Variants within these three genes were also associated with serum lipids.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the relevance of mitochondrial related variants in the context of CVD. We have linked mitochondrial haplogroup U to CVD, confirmed association of mitochondrial haplogroups J and T with CVD and proposed new markers of hypertension and serum lipids in the context of diabetes. We have also evidenced connections between the etiological pathways underlying CVDs, blood pressure and serum lipids, placing NOS3, SLC22A2, TOMM40 and HLA-DQA1 genes as common nexuses.
Effects of rootstocks and developmental time on the dynamic changes of main functional substances in ‘Orah’ (Citrus reticulata Blanco) by HPLC coupled with UV detection
Authors: Li Shuang , Yang Lei , Wang Min , Chen Yang , Yu Jianjun , Chen Hao , Yang Haijian , Wang Wu , Cai Zhiyong , Hong Lin 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionCitrus fruit is rich in important functional constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids terpenes and other functional substances that play an important role for treating clinical diseases or controlling major agricultural diseases and pests. Plant secondary metabolites have become one of the most important resources of novel lead compounds, especially young citrus fruits contain multiple functional substances. ‘Orah’, a type of citrus reticulata, is known for its fine appearance, productivity, delicious sweetness, late-maturing characteristics, and is widely cultivated in China. Fruit thinning and rootstock selection are commonly used agronomic measures in its production to ensure its quality and tree vigor. However, few studies have demonstrated the effects of these agronomic measures on the functional substances of ‘Orah’.MethodsIn this study, we used HPLC coupled with UV to detect the dynamic changes of fruit quality, 13 main flavonoids, 7 phenolic acids, 2 terpenes, synephrine and antioxidant capacity in both peel and pulp of citrus fruits grafted on four rootstocks (Red orange Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. red tangerine, Ziyang xiangcheng Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka, Trifoliate orange Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf, and Carrizo citrange Citrus sinensis Osb.×P.trifoliate Raf) at six different developmental stages (from 90 DAF to 240 DAF).ResultsThe results indicated that rootstock can significantly affect the contents of functional constituents and antioxidant capacity in ‘Orah’. Additionally, it was found that pruning at either 90 DAF (days after flowering) or 150 DAF produced the most favorable outcomes for extracting functional substances. We also identified rootstock ‘Trifoliate orange’ has the highest total soluble solids (TSS) and ‘Ziyang xiangcheng’ to be the optimal in terms of comprehensive sensory of fruit quality, while ‘Red orange’ and ‘Ziyang xiangcheng’ are optimal in terms of functional substance quality, and ‘Red orange’ excels in antioxidant capacity.DiscussionOverall, the findings demonstrate the important role of rootstocks and developmental stage in shaping fruit sensory quality and functional substance synthesis, providing valuable insights for guiding rootstock selection, determining thinning time, and utilizing pruned fruits in a more informed manner.
HPV self-sampling implementation strategies to engage under screened communities in cervical cancer screening: a scoping review to inform screening programs
Authors: Fullerton Madison M. , Ford Caitlin , D’Silva Chelsea , Chiang Bonnie , Onobrakpor Se-Inyenede , Dievert Holly , Yang Huiming , Cabaj Jason , Ivers Noah , Davidson Sandra , Hu Jia 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionHuman papillomavirus (HPV) testing as a method of cervical cancer screening can be performed by healthcare providers or by patients through self-sampling directly in the community, removing several barriers experienced by under screened populations. The objective of this scoping review was to determine which HPV self-sampling implementation and engagement strategies have been used to engage under screened populations (i.e., Indigenous, newcomer, and rural and remote communities) in cervical cancer screening.MethodsA scoping review was conducted searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and SocINDEX from inception to August 2023. The inclusion criteria were: (1) Indigenous, newcomer, and rural and remote communities; (2) countries identified as members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development; and (3) intervention included HPV self-sampling. The review was registered prior to conducting the search (https://osf.io/zfvp9).ResultsA total of 26 studies out of 2,741 studies met the inclusion criteria. In-person engagement with trusted community leaders was the most widely used and accepted recruitment and engagement strategy across all three populations. Six out of seven studies with Indigenous communities distributed HPV self-sampling kits to eligible participants in person in a clinical setting for collection on site or at home. Similarly, nine of the identified studies that engaged newcomers recruited participants in person through the community, where eligible participants were either given a kit (n = 7) or received one in the mail (n = 2). Lastly, of the 10 identified studies engaging rural and remote participants in HPV self-sampling, six recruited eligible participants in person at various community locations and four used electronic medical records or registries to identify and mail kits to participants.DiscussionHPV self-sampling through in person kit distribution and mail out of HPV self-sampling kits is an effective way to increase participation rates amongst under screened populations.
Betrayed, Beaten, Banished: The Stigma of Being a Rural Tongqi in China
Authors: Tsang Eileen Y. H. , Yueyao Fang 
Published: August 2024

In China, an emerging social issue involves a subset of rural women who, because of family and culture, become inadvertently matched up with and married to closeted men who have sex with men (MSM). These women—referred to as Tongqi—often discover they are in a loveless marriage, but any effort to change their situation results in intense backlash, discrimination, and stigma from families, village communities, and even government and healthcare institutions. This study explores the experiences of Tongqi, examining the influence of social interaction, community relationships, and macrostructural factors that coalesce to create an environment of chronic enacted stigma. In-depth interviews were conducted with 59 rural Tongqi, 11 of whom contracted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) from their spouses. The findings reveal the significant role of extended kinship networks and macrostructural elements, such as hukou (household registration) and government officers, as well as village-level lineage structures. Informant data highlights how lineage relationships, interwoven with gender practices, contribute to the enacted stigma impacting the physical and psychological health of Tongqi. Tongqi report psychological effects such as an array of symptoms reflecting post-traumatic stress, chronic depression, and attempted suicide. Tongqi also report adverse physical health concerns involving reproductive health, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy complications. These findings helped produce possible policy recommendations to address the most pressing issues faced by Tongqi.