bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of long-term meditation on the expression of genes related to inflammation and their methylation status: A case-control study
Authors: Dasanayaka Nirodhi Namika , Sirisena Nirmala Dushyanthi , Samaranayake Nilakshi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:Despite established benefits for mental and physical well-being, the precise underlying molecular mechanisms of the effects of meditation remain unclear. This study explored the hypothesis that long-term meditation practice downregulates the expression of genes associated with stress-induced inflammation. The expression of selected inflammation-related genes and their promoter methylation status were compared between long-term meditators and controls.
Methods:Thirty experienced meditators and 30 age- and gender-matched non mediators participated in this case-control study. RNA and DNA were extracted from blood samples. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) with GAPDH normalization was used to measure the expression of eight inflammation-related genes (IFN-γ, IL-6, CCL-2, CCR-7, TNF-α, NF-κB, CXCL8, andCOX-2). Additionally, bisulfite-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to assess the methylation status of five of these genes (IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, COX-2, and CXCL8) in their promoter regions.
Results: The mean age of participants was 43.83 ± 9.92 years, and 63.34% in each group were male. Compared to controls, meditators showed significantly lower relative gene expression for IFN-γ (Fold change (FC)=7,p=0.045), IL-6 (FC=3.6,p=0.045), TNF-α (FC=2.73,p=0.038), NF-ƘB(FC=3.2,p=0.045), CXCL8 (FC=3.3,p=0.047), and COX-2 (FC=9.5,p=0.013). Furthermore, meditators exhibited significantly higher promoter region methylation in IL-6 (p < 0.001) and CXCL8 (p = 0.001). The methylation level at specific CpG sites showed that four out of 16 sites in IL-6 and five out of twelve sites in CXCL-8 gene had significantly higher methylation in meditators. Although no significant difference in the overall methylation level in the promoter regions of TNF-α and IFN-γ genes were detected, two out of 12 sites and one out of 27 sites in the TNF-α and IFN-γ genes, respectively, showed significantly higher methylation in meditators.
Conclusion:These findings suggest that long-term meditation practice may contribute to reduced inflammation by downregulating the expression of specific inflammatory pathway genes and increasing their promoter methylation. Further research is needed to explore these potential mechanisms and their long-term health implications.
Effectiveness of the ‘Thinking Healthy Program’ to reduce antenatal depression in pregnant women in a tertiary care hospital: A quasi- experimental study in Pakistan
Authors: Ahsan Quratulain , Saleem Javeria , Malik Abid , Zakar Rubeena , Siddique Kashif , Naz Mahwish , Bukhari Gul Mehar Javaid , Fischer Florian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
In developing countries, the prevalence of postpartum depression can range from being comparable to that of developed nations to twice as high. The ‘Thinking Healthy Program’ (THP) is an evidence-based intervention specifically designed for addressing perinatal depression. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of THP in reducing perinatal depression among pregnant women in Pakistan.
Methods
We recruited 220 pregnant women from the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Depression was screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), identifying 80 women (36%) with scores indicating depression (PHQ-9 score > 10). Of these, 22 consented to participate in the study. A quasi-experimental design was used to assess the impact of the THP intervention, targeting women aged 18–45 years in their 24–26 week of pregnancy. The intervention included fortnightly psychotherapy sessions aimed at modifying negative thinking patterns and behaviors, particularly in the context of developing mother-child relationships. The effectiveness of the THP sessions was measured using the Student’s t-test.
Results
A significant reduction in depression scores post-intervention (p < 0.05) demonstrated the intervention’s efficacy. Additional analysis of demographic characteristics also showed significant improvements.
Conclusion
This study provides evidence that the THP intervention is an effective, low-intensity psychotherapy treatment during the antenatal period, capable of preventing postpartum depression at clinical setting.
Community-based health education: A pilot module on maternal and child health for public health students in Pakistan
Authors: Zakar Rubeena , Tekian Ara , Zakar Nazoora Manal , Fischer Florian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Maternal and child health (MCH) plays a critical role in the development of nations, with the well-being of mothers and children being essential for societal progress. Despite efforts, Pakistan continues to face high maternal and child mortality rates. Recognizing the potential of universities in improving community health through outreach programs, this project aims to enhance the capabilities of the existing Center for Research in Maternal and Child Health within the Department of Public Health by developing a Community-Based Education module in MCH.Methods Led by a team with expertise in maternal and child health, medical education, and curriculum development, the module was created using the PARE framework (Preparation, Action, Reflection, and Evaluation) for community-based course planning. The module content development process entailed an extensive review of curricula from both Pakistani and international universities, alongside baseline surveys with community mothers, consultations with faculty members and health department officials, and assessments of student needs.Results The resulting 124-page module comprehensively addresses prevailing maternal and child health challenges in Pakistan. Structured into two main chapters on 1) maternal health and 2) child health, each chapter is further divided into six sub-chapters. It covers nutrition, health conditions, healthcare service utilization, sanitation, and hygiene issues relevant to MCH.Conclusions Moving forward, the project will embark on faculty and student training sessions to facilitate module implementation in community settings, followed by a year-long deployment within target communities. Evaluation mechanisms will gauge module effectiveness through pre- and post-test analyses of community and student data. This endeavor heralds a pioneering initiative in Pakistan, epitomizing the integration of community-based education and university partnerships to enhance the educational experience of public health students. Plans are underway to expand this initiative to other universities across Punjab province, ensuring its sustainability and scalability for broader community impact
Preferences trust interaction of nurses and parents as mediating variables between knowledge and shared decision making in the care of newborns in Hospitals
Authors: Rohmah Nikmatur , Utami Resti , Kholifah Siti 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Knowledge is an important element in making decisions. Making decisions without having adequate knowledge will potentially lead to decision conflicts. This study aimed to analyze of preferences, trust, and interactions between nurses and parents as mediating between knowledge and shared decision-making in the care of newborns in hospitals.
Methods The research design was cross-sectional. The population was all parents of newborns hospitalized in Regional Hospital Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia March–June 2021. The sampling methode was selected by simple random sampling. The required participants are 92. Data collection by questionnaires compiled by researchers, and data analysis by Partial Least Square.
Results: The results showed that knowledge (T-statistics=4.464; p=0.000) influenced shared decision making through preferences (T-statistics=3.600; p=0.000), trust (T-statistics=6.760; p=0.000), and nurse interactions and parents (T-statistic=9,160; p=0,000). The interaction of nurses and parents proved to have the strongest influence on shared decision-making. This study recommends that nurses increase interaction with parents. Nurses can maximize the role of parents in together decision-making on the care of newborns in the hospital.
Conclusion The knowledge influenced shared decision-making of newborn care through the preferences, trust, and interactions of nurses and parents. This study recommends that nurses should increase interaction with parents. Nurses can maximize the role of parents in shared decision-making on the care of newborns in the hospital.
Retinal morphology across the menstrual cycle: insights from the UK Biobank
Authors: Reis Ana Paula Ribeiro , Ioannidou Estelle , Wagner Siegfried , Struyven Robbert , Sun Zihan , Foster Paul , Khawaja Anthony P , Petzold Axel , Sivaprasad Sobha , Pontikos Nikolas , Keane Pearse , Balaskas Konstantinos , Greco Elena , Iliodromiti Stamatina , Patel Praveen J 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Oestradiol and progesterone levels are higher in menstruating women than men of the same age, and their receptors are present in their neurosensory retina and retinal pigment epithelium. However, the impact of this hormonal environment on retinal physiology in women remains unclear. Using self-reported menstrual cycle phases as a surrogate for fluctuating hormonal levels, we investigated associations with retinovascular indices on colour fundus photograph and retinal thickness in optical coherence tomography across regularly menstruating women in the UK Biobank. We found no differences in retinal thickness across the cycle; however, vessel density, arteriolar and venular, and fractal dimension were higher in the luteal phase than follicular. The calibre of the central retinal vessels did not differ. This study suggests that the menstrual cycle phase might be associated with retinal microvasculature density in non-invasive imaging. It raises awareness for this understudied area, providing insights into neuroscience fields and epidemiological studies.
Predicting risk factors for postoperative enterostenosis in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis：development and assessment of a predictive nomogram
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhou Ling , Liao Qianghui , Xiao Dong , Zhu Ledao , Yao Jinlong , Liu Jiashu , Zhang Xuling , Ma Xiaopeng , Ren Feng , Wang Zhiyong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and validate an enterostenosis prediction model for postoperative newborns with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Methods: Clinical information was collected on neonates who had undergone anastomosis or enterostomy because of NEC. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was applied to identify risk factors included in the model for postoperative enterostenosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop a predicting model regression based on the selected variables. Then internal validation was assessed using the bootstrapping validation. The accuracy and applicability of the model are assessed by C-index, calibration and decision curve.
Results: Predictors incorporated into the model were weight on admission, hematochezia, duration of abnormal C-reactive protein, lactate, intestinal peristalsis vanish, operation methods and duration of surgery. The regression equation was logit (P) = -0.001X1+1.566X2+0.185X3+0.304X4+1.34X5-2.932X6+0.015X7-3.193, where X1 was weight on admission (g), X2 was hematochezia (yes=1, no=0), X3 was duration of abnormal C-reactive protein (days), X4 was lactate (mmol/L), X5 was intestinal peristalsis vanish (yes=1, no=0), X6 was primary anastomosis (yes=1, no=0), X7 was duration of surgery (min). The model displayed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.879(0.827,0.932) by random sampling for 1000 times. The calibration curve excluded the overfitting performance, and the decision curve confirmed the clinical application capacity of the model.
Conclusion: This nomogram of enterostenosis incorporating the use of weight on admission, hematochezia, duration of abnormal C-reactive protein, lactate, intestinal peristalsis vanish, operation methods and duration of surgery could be conveniently used to facilitate the enterostenosis risk prediction in postoperative NEC patients.
Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals Prognostic Potential of ANGPTL2 and Its Implications in Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Ke Junyu , He Zhikun , Duan Yilin , Zhu Yaqing , Xu Yingjian , Zhou Hengli , Lei Jie , Wang Haiyan , Shan Zejun , Zhang Yingying , Wei Yating , Zeng Yuyin , Zhang Jiali , Lu Yao , Wu Yongqiang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Angiopoietin-like protein 2(ANGPTL2)stimulates inflammatory and angiogenic pathways,promoting tumor growth and metastasis.However,research on the prognostic significance,immune infiltration,expression patterns,and underlying mechanisms of ANGPTL2 in various malignancies is sparse.
Methods
We used different online platforms and datasets to conduct a comprehensive investigation of ANGPTL2 in various human malignancies,including mutation status,methylation levels,and expression profiles.Our study looked at the impact of ANGPTL2 on survival prognosis in various tumour types,its correlation with immune checkpoint genes,immune and stromal scores in tumours,its functional relevance in different cancer types,associated signalling pathways and biological functions,validation of its expression in gastric cancer,and its effects on cell proliferation,migration,and invasion using cell models.
Results
ANGPTL2 mutations were predominantly missense and truncation.In 31 tumour types,ANGPTL2 expression differed significantly from normal tissue(P < 0.05).Survival analysis revealed that the highest ANGPTL2 expression had worst results.Notably,patients with reduced ANGPTL2 expression showed increased overall survival(OS)in gastric adenocarcinoma,lung cancer and bladder cancer(P < 0.05).Immune infiltration analysis showed positive correlations between ANGPTL2 expression and immune infiltration in 36 tumour types(P < 0.05).Furthermore,ANGPTL2 was found to be positively associated with immune checkpoint genes in most cancers(P < 0.05).In uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma,ANGPTL2 expression was positively correlated with angiogenesis,inflammation,stemness,but negatively correlated with DNA damage,DNA repair,and cell cycle.In the AngPTL2-overexpressed cell model,the proliferation,migration and invasion of GES-1 cells were significantly enhanced.
Conclusions
Increased ANGPTL2 expression positively correlates with immune cell infiltration,immune checkpoint genes and immune scores in most tumours.In addition,ANGPTL2 has been linked to significant migration and invasion capabilities in clinical samples and in vitro experiments.
Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages from sewerage water targeting methicillin resistance S. aureus in burn patients
Authors: Zafar Nishat , Aslam Aamir , Rahman Sajjad Ur , Saqib Muhammad 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The spectrum of infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ranges from minor to potentially life-threatening. Due to its increased antibiotic resistance, treatment failures are frequent, necessitating novel eradication approaches. In this study, we aimed to isolate MRSA from burn patients, ascertain its antibiogram pattern, and isolate and characterize bacteriophages from sewerage water targeting MRSA. A total of 70 samples were collected from burn patients, and MRSA was identified and characterized using various biochemical and molecular tests, alongside antibiotic sensitivity profiling. MRSA prevalence was found to be 28.6%, with biochemical and molecular analyses confirming its presence. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that 94% of isolates were sensitive to tobramycin and gentamycin, while lowest sensitivity (2%) was observed against vancomycin. Using the soft agar overlay method, three bacteriophages (Phage-1, Phage-2, and Phage-3) were successfully isolated from sewerage water. Among all the phages, Phage-3 demonstrated a broader host range. Furthermore, Phage-3 displayed optimal activity within a pH range of 6–8 and at temperatures between 20–40°C. Phage-3 indicated a rapid decrease in adsorption time within 0–5 minutes, while its one-step growth curve revealed a latent phase lasting up to 30 minutes, followed by a significant increase in titer from 30–50 minutes.
Protocol paper for an implementation science approach to promoting colorectal cancer screening in Federally Qualified Health Center clinics: A stepped-wedge, multilevel intervention trial.
Authors: Montoya CPH CHES MPH Samantha M. , Olaore CPH MPH MBChB Pelumi , Bastardo-Acosta  , Abdulla MA Rania , Schell Michael J. , Hidalgo Allan , Turner BSN RN Barbara , Rider DO Monica , Kishun-Jit Nirmala , Joshua Ashlon , Pollard Jennifer , Friedman Mark , Christy Shannon M. , Meade  , Gwede  
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Despite the Healthy People 2030 goal of 70.5%, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are suboptimal at about 40%. The Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Research, Education and Screening-Rural Expansion, Access, and Capacity for Health (CARES-REACH) study seeks to address this disparity and accelerate the adoption and utilization of effective, evidence-based CRC screening practices. This paper describes the CARES-REACH study design and implementation methods.
Methods
Informed by a community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework and enriched by implementation science approaches, CARES-REACH features a stepped wedge design with extension for maintenance to support an implementation strategy focused on multiple levels: organizational, provider, and patient levels that entail processes to boost initial and repeat screening among average risk and age-eligible adults. This multilevel study entails the implementation of a core set of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) that include low literacy patient education (English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole language); provider education, system-wide electronic medical record (EMR) tools including provider prompts and patient reminders, FIT (fecal immunochemical test) kit distribution, plus an organization-wide cancer control champion who motivates providers, coaches and navigates patients, and monitors system-wide CRC screening activities.
Trial Registration
NCT04464668.
Role of pulse oximetry for early detection of critical congenital heart disease among the neonates at hospitals affiliated with shiraz university of medical sciences: A pilot study.
Authors: Bahrami Reza , Rooinpeykar Mitra , Naghshzan Amir , Moradi Ali , Bahrami Mohammad , Razavinejad Seyyed Mostajab , Rezaei Mehrdad 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Objective:
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a structural anomaly of the heart that manifests before birth, and it is one of the most prevalent congenital disabilities. The presentations of CHD are heterogeneous and depend on the defect type and age of the neonate. The physical examination and pulse oximetry provide a high level of accuracy, exhibiting a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 98% when used together. Some studies showed that pulse oximetry has an influential role in the screening of CHD. However, there are controversial cutoff levels of oxygen saturation as a Reliable screening. This study aims to evaluate the acceptable cutoff of oxygen saturation based on previous guidelines as the primary goal and the prediction of challenges in the screening program of neonates based on the Newborn Health Program.
Method
This prospective cohort study from September 2021 to June 2022 on 372 neonates with full inclusion criteria and follow-up. The study focused on newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Zainabiyeh Hospital, the tertiary referral NICU center south of Iran. The screening was conducted by qualified medical practitioners using pulse oximetry after the first day of admission. Readings above 95.5% were considered negative, while those below 90% were deemed positive. The results were 90% − 95.5%; re-evaluate after one hour. In the re-evaluation, if the result was above 95.5%, it was considered negative; if it was below 95.5%, it was considered positive. Echocardiography was conducted within 48 hours for all infants with a positive pulse oximetry result. A bedside echocardiogram was performed before discharge for all neonates. Finally, the echocardiography and pulse oximetry results were compared to evaluate the negative and positive predictive value of pulse oximetry results and cutoff.
Results
Among 372 neonates, 222 (59%) had a normal echocardiogram, and 150 (41%) had an abnormal echocardiogram. Among neonates with abnormal echocardiography, 96% had acyanotic disease, and more than 50% of babies whose oxygen saturation was less than 95.5% had abnormal echocardiography. Pulse oximetry with a cutoff of 95.5% had 100% sensitivity and a specificity of 84–87.5% for the diagnosis of CHD. More than 69% of babies with saturation less than 95.5% in all four limbs had an abnormal echocardiogram.
Conclusion
Pulse oximetry, as the screening tool, can help early detection of neonates with CHD and is also the cost-benefit method in areas lacking tertiary centers for neonatal echocardiography.
Complete resolution of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary nodule following cryobiopsy: he first case report
Authors: Han Sung Joon , Park Dongil 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease encompasses a diverse group of pulmonary conditions, present significant diagnostic challenges, especially in radiological interpretation. The disease can mimic lung cancer, tuberculosis, and other bronchopulmonary disorders, complicating accurate diagnosis.
Case Presentation: A 46-year-old healthy woman was incidentally found to have a 1.3-cm pulmonary nodule in the left anterior basal segment during a routine health examination, with no symptoms or significant medical history. Initial CT imaging raised suspicions of T1a lung cancer. Subsequent endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial lung biopsy (EBUS-TBLB) and transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) revealed granulomatous inflammation. Tests for tuberculosis and NTM were negative. Following the biopsies, chest X-rays showed an enlarged shadow at the lesion, suggesting necrosis after cryobiopsy. The patient was treated with moxifloxacin, leading to symptom improvement. A final diagnosis of NTM infection, specifically Mycobacterium avium, was confirmed from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. At four months post-biopsy, a chest CT scan showed complete resolution of the nodule.
Conclusion: NTM nodules may undergo necrosis and resolution due to the ablation effect of cryobiopsy, suggesting cryoablation as a potential option for inoperable localized NTM disease.