bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (NHHR) as a Predictor of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in US Adults with Diabetes or Prediabetes: NHANES 1998-2018
Authors: Yu Binyang , Li Min , Yu Zongliang , Zheng Tao , Feng Xue , Gao Anran , Zhang Haoling , Gao Rui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) serves as a novel composite lipid indicator for atherosclerosis. However, the association between the NHHR and mortality in patients with diabetes or prediabetes remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the correlation between the NHHR and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in U.S. adults with diabetes or prediabetes.
Methods
This study enrolled a total of 12,578 adult participants with diabetes or prediabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the US (1998–2018). The mortality outcomes were ascertained through linkage with the National Death Index (NDI) records available until December 31, 2019. We employed weighted multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the associations between the NHHR and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to evaluate nonlinear correlations. Moreover, a segmented Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to assess the associations between the NHHR and mortality on both sides of the inflection point.
Results
During a median follow-up period of 8.08 years, 2403 participants experienced all-cause mortality, with 662 of them specifically succumbing to cardiovascular mortality. The RCS revealed a U-shaped association between the NHHR and all-cause mortality in participants with diabetes or prediabetes, while an L-shaped association was observed for cardiovascular mortality. The analysis of threshold effects revealed that the inflection points for the NHHR and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 2.71 and 2.85, respectively. Specifically, when the baseline NHHR was below the inflection points, a negative correlation was observed between the NHHR and both all-cause mortality (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73–0.88) and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.67–0.92). Conversely, when the baseline NHHR exceeded the inflection points, a positive correlation was observed between the NHHR and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.11).
Conclusions
In U.S. adults with diabetes or prediabetes, a U-shaped correlation was observed between the NHHR and all-cause mortality, whereas an L-shaped correlation was identified with cardiovascular mortality. The inflection points for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 2.71 and 2.85, respectively.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B among food vendors in Kwadaso Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Sarpong Prince Nkrumah , Apetorgbor Alfred Kofi , Sackey Lyndon Nii Adjiri 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Hepatitis B remains a national health issue in Ghana. The prevalence of Hepatitis B varies widely among communities. Hepatitis B can prevail and spread through food vending activities. However, very scanty data is available on the subject. This study, therefore, sought to examine the prevalence of the Hepatitis B virus among food vendors in Kwadaso municipality. Two hundred and fourteen food vendors were screened for this exercise using the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test. The test results were examined at a Diagnostic Laboratory. Primary data were generated through questionnaires and observations. There was a 9.3% prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among food vendors in Kwadaso municipality. The ‘31–45’ age group had the highest prevalence of 40%. The Hepatitis B virus prevailed more in females (70%) than males (30%). One hundred and fifty-nine (74%) of the screened vendors were aware of their Hepatitis B status. Only one hundred and forty-eight (69%) of the study population screened on yearly basis. Majority (73%) of the vendors were roadside sellers. Most food vendors had high patronage of serving more than 200 customers daily. None of the food vendors had been vaccinated against the Hepatitis B Virus infection. Food, water, personal and environmental hygiene at food vendor premises must be closely monitored to ensure food security in the municipality. This is because there are poor sanitation practices in most of the food premises. The study therefore recommends more screening and vaccination exercises, health education, monitoring and food hygiene promoting programs as well as law enforcement initiatives on food vending activities to address the issue otherwise an outbreak of Hepatitis B virus infection through the food vending industry is likely to occur.
A proactive technique for reversal of Hartmann’s procedure: lifting the rectal stump to the abdominal wall
Authors: Fukada Akio , Ogino Takayuki , Fujimoto Yuji , Sekido Yuki , Takeda Mitsunobu , Hata Tsuyoshi , Hamabe Atsushi , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Uemura Mamoru , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Reversal of Hartmann’s procedure is complicated owing to dense adhesions resulting from inflammation in the pelvic region. These adhesions pose challenges in identifying the rectum and increase the risk of pelvic organ injuries.
Methods
We propose a technique to lift and fix the rectal stump to the abdominal wall to diminish adhesions to the rectum and facilitate identification of the rectal stump.
Results
The patient underwent Hartmann's procedure for generalized peritonitis resulting from perforation of the sigmoid colon. The abdominal cavity was significantly contaminated with fecal ascites, and postoperative pelvic adhesions were anticipated. Therefore, the rectal stump was lifted. The outcomes demonstrated that despite the presence of dense adhesions in the abdominal cavity, the rectal segment was promptly identified during reversal of Hartmann’s procedure. The procedure proceeded smoothly and was deemed satisfactory.
Conclusions
The technique of lifting and fixing the rectal stump to the abdominal wall is useful in cases where dense pelvic adhesions are anticipated during the subsequent reversal of Hartmann’s procedure.
Factors Predicting Health‐Related Quality of Life in Post-COVID Patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ponghan Kritsaya , riangkam Chontira , Rongrungruang Yong , Puwarawuttipanit Wimolrat 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

BackgroundPost-COVID conditions can occur in every system of the body with physical and mental impacts resulting in a poor quality of life. Therefore, knowledge of the factors affecting health-related quality of life is important for treating patients with post-COVID conditions. This was a descriptive correlational research study with a cross-sectional research design aiming to determine the predictive power of body mass index (BMI), sleep quality, fatigue, and social support to improve health-related quality of life among patients with post-COVID conditions.MethodsThe study enrolled 126 male and female patients with post-COVID conditions aged 18 years and above. All patients were admitted to the outpatient departments of two tertiary hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand, for examination and treatment from April to September 2023. The research instruments included personal data and illness record questionnaires, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale, Revised Thai version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and EuroQol Group-5 Dimension-5 Levels. The patient basic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Predictive power was analyzed using linear multiple regression with statistical significance set at 0.05.ResultsThe patient with post-COVID conditions had health-related quality of life at mean of 0.826 (SD = 0.102). Multiple regression analysis revealed that all of the independent could account for 68.40% (R2= 0.684, F= 65.39, p < 0.001) of the variance explained of health-related quality of life. The strongest predictor was fatigue (β= 0.673, p < 0.001), followed by social support (β= 0.214, p < 0.001)and sleep quality (β= −0.127, p = 0.033).ConclusionPatients with post-COVID conditions experienced negative effects on health-related quality of life. Therefore, nurses and health care providers should assess health-related quality of life and its determinant factors, namely fatigue, sleep quality, and social support. Moreover, programs should be created to relieve fatigue or promote sleep quality in patients with post-COVID condition to achieve a good health-related quality of life in the future.
Attitude Toward Death and Associated Factors Among Nurses And Physicians: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alhusamiah Bushra , Zeilani Ruqayya S 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:Caring for terminally ill patients is a complicated task that challenges nurses and physicians with the psychological concerns and associated with a high level of physical and psychological discomfort among family, patients, and health care professionals.Aim: the aim of this study was to assess nurses’ and physicians’ attitudes towards death and end-of-life care, as well as to examine the correlations between nurses’ and physicians’ attitudes toward caring for dying patients and theirdemographic characteristics.Method:A total of 200 oncology nurses and physicians were recruited using a non-probability convenience sample from Jordanian specialized oncology hospital. All participants were invited to complete the questionnaire, which consisted of the demographic data sheet and Frommelt’s Attitude toward Care of the Dying -B scale.Result: The majority ofnurses and physicians have a positive attitude toward death (FATCOD=106.31). Furthermore, there are statistically significant associations between nurses’ and physicians’ gender, previous experience with terminally ill patients, years of working experience, previous education on death and dying, previous experience with loss, religious beliefs and attitude toward end-of-life care and death.Conclusion:End-of-life Care can provoke a wide range of inconvenient attitudes and feelings, which have a significant impact on the end-of-life care. Based on the study finding, more positive attitudes toward death were found among physicians and nurses with longer clinical experience in caring for terminally ill patients. Furthermore, death education and religious beliefs significantly influence the death attitude of nurses and physicians.
Caerin 1.9-polycaprolactone-coated magnesium implants enhance antibacterial performance and reduce foreign body responses in Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Liu Xiaosong , Ni Guoying , Chen Guoqiang , He Xiaohong , Zhang Pingping , Luo Yuandong , Fu Quanlan , Li Junjie , Tang Shuxian , Ni Guowei , Manabe Ken-ichi , Jiang Zhengyi , Furushima Tsuyoshi , Kent Damon , Zhu Bin , Wang Tianfang , Li Hejie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) alloys show outstanding promise for development of degradable implants for hard tissue engineering. However, rapid corrosion and associated reductions in mechanical properties has limited their clinical application. Furthermore, bacterial infections remain an ongoing challenge for implants. Previously, we established that the magnesium alloy, AZ31(Mg-3%Al-1%Zn-0.4%Mn) in a fully annealed form, exhibits improved biocompatibility and corrosion resistance over both pure Mg and cold-extruded AZ31. Multi-omics analyses of tissues of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats revealed that annealed AZ31 does not significantly activate inflammation and immune responses, while it enhanced signalling in tissue cell proliferation associated pathways. Furthermore, we employed coatings incorporating the host defence peptide (CHDP), caerin 1.9 (abbreviated as F3) into a biocompatible polymer, polycaprolactone (PCL), to develop functional 3-dimensional surface coating to improve biocompatibility and antibacterial performance of the Mg alloy materials. In this study, we have assessed the responses from MC3T3-E1 cells cultured with the Mg alloys to further understand cellular responses. The annealed AZ31 alloy stimulated proliferation of mice osteoblast precursor cells and caused upregulation in expression of Brpf1 protein and other signalling pathways related to bone mineralization and haemostasis, which promote bone tissue formation. The coated and annealed AZ31 alloy (F3-PCL-3A) demonstrated exceptional biocompatibility, causing no adverse effects on hepatic or renal function, and displaying no observable changes in vital organs three months after implantation in SD rats. F3-PCL-3A displayed long-lasting and stable antibacterial properties both in vitro and in vivo. Proteomics and metabolomics analyses of tissues in direct-contact with implants revealed that F3-PCL-3A did not activate inflammation or immune-associated signalling pathways in SD rats 3 months post-implantation. Meanwhile, it activated inflammatory responses, especially phagocytosis pathways up to 72 hours post implantation, indicating enhanced antibacterial capability during the acute stage after implantation. In summary, F3-PCL-3A shows outstanding promise for degradable implants with active antibacterial capabilities for internal fixation and fracture repair.
Tissue-specific responses of brain and lung endothelial cell miRNA and mRNA profiles to the ring-stage Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells
Authors: Metwally Nahla , Tauler Maria del Pilar Martinez , Torabi Hanifeh , Allweier Johannes , Mohamed Sara , Bessemoulin Maryeva , Bouws Philip , Alshikh Fatima , Wu Yifan , Temori Milad , Schell Tabea , Rakotonirinalalao Maximillian , Honecker Barbara , Höhn Katharina , Jacobs Thomas , Heine Holger , Bruchhaus Iris 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control 60% of genes expressed in the human body, but their role in malaria pathogenesis is incompletely understood. For the first time, we demonstrate cell type-specific alterations to the miRNA profiles during the early response to malaria infection in brain and lung endothelial cells (ECs). In brain ECs, incubation with Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells in the ring stage (iRBCs) most significantly affected endocytosis-related miRNAs and mRNAs. Contrastingly, in lung ECs, iRBCs altered electron transport chain-related miRNAs and mRNAs. We also present a novel dataset of inherent differences between microRNA profiles in brain and lung ECs and their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). We demonstrated that shear stress affected multiple pathways in brain ECs, which were controlled by numerous human miRNAs. Together, these findings demonstrate that host miRNAs respond to parasite exposure; this is accompanied by stimulation of downstream signaling pathways within the ECs. Therefore, we consider miRNAs to be the initial spark (Code of duty) for the early host-parasite interaction events.
Care-experienced young people’s views and experiences of accessing general practice and dental services and attending health reviews in England: a qualitative study
Authors: Herlitz Lauren , Ashford Emily , Baldwin James , Powell Claire , Woodman Jenny 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Children in care and care leavers have worse health outcomes than their peers without care experience. This study addresses an evidence gap in exploring care-experienced young people’s views and experiences of accessing general practice and dental services and attending health reviews in England.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using podcasting as a creative medium. We recruited young people from two sites: one in South England (A) and one in greater London (B). We held two paired discussions in site A and two focus groups in site B, with 14 participants in total. Participants were aged between 13 and 22 years and were diverse in gender, ethnicity, and care experiences. Data were analysed thematically using candidacy theory as a conceptual framework.
Results: Mental health was a prevailing concern for participants, but general practice was not considered a place to discuss it. Most participants reported distant relationships with primary healthcare professionals and considered opening-up to a professional to be risky, for example, it could result in an unknown/unwanted outcome. A lack of time and personal connection in appointments, and experiences of feeling judged, dismissed, or misunderstood, hindered young people’s ability to disclose mental health or relationship concerns. Participants reported variation in the timeliness and location of services, with salient examples of extensive waiting periods for braces. Participants perceived annual health reviews to be largely inconsequential.
Conclusions: Any primary care presentation by a care-experienced young person should trigger additional professional curiously. To build rapport and trust, professionals should not underestimate the power of active listening, being reliable and honest, and small acts of thoughtfulness, for example, ensuring medical letters are provided promptly. Carers and other trusted professionals should support care-experienced young people to develop health literacy and understand the role of primary care. Health reviews may not be of value to all young people in care. Further research is needed to examine primary healthcare access for care-experienced young people with significant safeguarding and healthcare needs.
Orexin-A promotes neurite outgrowth and induces activity-regulated cytoskeleton associated protein (Arc) upregulation in SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Morales-Mulia Sandra , Díaz-Ramírez Alejandra , Almazán-Alvarado Salvador , Pérez-Luna José Manuel , Hernández-Fonseca Karla , Morales-Mulia Marcela 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Current evidence suggests that orexin-A modulates events related to neuronal plasticity such as cell proliferation, neurogenesis, and synaptogenesis. Activity-regulated cytoskeleton associated protein (Arc), is an immediate early gene (IEG) whose transcription and translation are induced by neural activity. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether orexin-A induces neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y dopaminergic cells. Furthermore, we will investigate the ability of orexin-A to modify Arc protein content. Detection of orexin receptors and Arc levels was carried out with the western blot technique. To evaluate the number of cells and neurites, the cells were fixed and stained with DAPI to visualize the nuclei and with rhodamine phalloidin to visualize the F-actin filaments by confocal microscopy. Our results indicate that exposure to orexin-A (100 nM for 24 hours) increased the number of cells with longer neurites by 79.6% (215 cells with neurites of 21 to 80 µm) compared to control cells where the most cells (87.8%, 237 cells) had neurites with lengths from 0 to 40 µm. Orexin-A also improved the amount of Arc by 91.5%. This effect was abolished by blocking both receptors (OX1R and OX2R) with specific antagonists. We speculate that orexin A-induced effects on neurite length and Arc may be part of the mechanisms involved in modifying and strengthening synaptic strength in cellular events where orexins have been shown to play a key role, such as synaptogenesis and long-term empowerment.
Anti-VEGF injection therapeutic methods for treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Authors: Tabesh Hadi , Jalilvand Hassan , Mousavi Seyedeh Maryam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Anti-VEGF injections are one of the therapeutic methods used to treat various eye conditions, including wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO). These injections contain medications that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. During the procedure, an ophthalmologist administers the anti-VEGF medication directly into the vitreous cavity at the back of the eye. The injection is performed using a small needle, and the eye is typically numbed with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The anti-VEGF medication works by blocking the action of VEGF, which helps to reduce the leakage and growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. By doing so, it can help preserve central vision and improve visual outcomes for patients with these conditions. The frequency and duration of anti-VEGF injections may vary depending on the specific eye condition and the individual patient's response to treatment. In some cases, a series of initial loading doses may be followed by maintenance injections at regular intervals. The treatment plan is typically determined by the ophthalmologist based on the patient's needs and the specific characteristics of their eye condition. Here, in this review, we are providing a comparison among different usual treatment methods and Anti-VEGF drugs and by a look for the future possible methods, the prospective methods could be predicted.
A Multivariate Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Neural Correlates and Common Biological Mechanisms of Psychopathology Spectra
Authors: Davis Christal , Khan Yousef , Toikumo Sylvanus , Jinwala Zeal , Boomsma D , Levey Daniel , Gelernter Joel , Kember Rachel , Kranzler Henry 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

There is considerable comorbidity across externalizing and internalizing behavior dimensions of psychopathology. We applied genomic structural equation modeling (gSEM) to genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to evaluate the factor structure of externalizing and internalizing psychopathology across 16 traits and disorders among European-ancestry individuals (n’s = 16,400 to 1,074,629). We conducted GWAS on factors derived from well-fitting models. Downstream analyses served to identify biological mechanisms, explore drug repurposing targets, estimate genetic overlap between the externalizing and internalizing spectra, and evaluate causal effects of psychopathology liability on physical health. Both a correlated factors model, comprising two factors of externalizing and internalizing risk, and a higher-order single-factor model of genetic effects contributing to both spectra demonstrated acceptable fit. GWAS identified 409 lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with externalizing and 85 lead SNPs associated with internalizing, while the second-order GWAS identified 256 lead SNPs contributing to broad psychopathology risk. In bivariate causal mixture models, nearly all externalizing and internalizing causal variants overlapped, despite a genetic correlation of only 0.37 (SE = 0.02) between them. Externalizing genes showed cell-type specific expression in GABAergic, cortical, and hippocampal neurons, and internalizing genes were associated with reduced subcallosal cortical volume, providing insight into the neurobiological underpinnings of psychopathology. Genetic liability for externalizing, internalizing, and broad psychopathology exerted causal effects on pain, general health, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic illnesses. These findings underscore the complex genetic architecture of psychopathology, identify potential biological pathways for the externalizing and internalizing spectra, and highlight the physical health burden of psychiatric comorbidity.