bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of hinged and carbon fiber ankle-foot orthoses in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy and drop-foot gait pattern
Authors: Dobler Florian , Mayr Robin , Lengnick Harald , Federolf Peter , Alexander Nathalie 
Published: April 2024

Background:
In children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP), ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are widely used to correct common gait deviations such as a drop-foot pattern. Most studies on this topic have investigated specific time points while omitting other parts of the gait cycle.

Objectives:
This study investigated the separate effects of prefabricated carbon fiber AFOs and custom-made hinged AFOs compared with barefoot walking in children with USCP with a drop-foot gait pattern using statistical parametric mapping.

Study design:
Retrospective, cross-sectional, repeated measures study.

Methods:
Twenty ambulatory children (9.9 ± 2.5 years) with USCP and a drop-foot gait pattern were included. Kinematics, kinetics, and spatiotemporal parameters assessed during 3-dimensional gait analysis were compared between barefoot and AFO walking. Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare joint angles and moment waveforms. Kinematics, kinetics and spatiotemporal parameters assessed during 3-dimensional gait analysis were compared between barefoot and AFO walking for each AFO type but not between the 2 AFO types.

Results:
Compared with barefoot walking, there was a steeper sole angle at initial contact, corresponding to a heel strike pattern, and an increased ankle dorsiflexion in swing with the use of both AFOs. The ankle plantar flexion moment during loading response increased. Ankle power generation during pre-swing decreased in the carbon fiber AFO group when walking with AFOs.

Conclusions:
Both AFOs were beneficial for improving a drop-foot gait pattern in these small patient groups and can, therefore, be recommended to treat this gait deviation in patients with unilateral cerebral palsy. However, the reduction in ankle power generation during push-off and additional goals targeted by AFOs, such as correction of structural or flexible foot deformities, should be considered for prescription.
The Evaluation of Condylar Position Change in the Asymmetric Mandible Following Sagittal Split Osteotomy
Authors: Tabrizi Reza , Amini Ehsan , Hormozi Behnoush , Behnia Parsa , Aboul Hosn Centenero Samir 
Published: April 2024

Background:
The change of condyle position following orthognathic surgery affects the stability of treatments. This study aims to assess the correlation between the amount of condyles’ position change and the severity of mandibular asymmetry following BSSO.

Materials and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study. Subjects with asymmetric mandibular prognathism following BSSO were studied. Subjects were classified into 2 groups: group 1, subjects had mandibular asymmetry without occlusal cant and underwent BSSO. Group 2, subjects had mandibular asymmetry with occlusal cant and underwent BSSO+ Lefort I osteotomy. The condyle position was evaluated using cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT). Pearson’s correlation test was used to assess any correlation between the condyle changes and the change in the mandible in sagittal and anterior–posterior directions.

Results:
A total of 44 subjects were studied. In group 1, the condyle tilted outward in the deviated condyle and inward in the non-deviated condyle immediately after osteotomy. After 12 months, both condyles showed a rotation relative to the original position. In group 2, the condyles of the deviated sides and non-deviated sides moved inferiorly after surgery (condylar sagging), which was more significant in the non-deviated sides. The condyle rotation was similar to group 1. The severity of asymmetry and occlusal cant correlate with the condylar position change in the two groups.

Conclusion:
The severity of mandibular asymmetry correlates with the amount of condyles’ position change immediately after BSSO. However, the condyles tend to return to their original position 12 months later.
Reference equations for peak oxygen uptake for treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise tests based on the NHANES lean body mass equations, a FRIEND registry study
Authors: Santana Everton J. , Kim Daniel Seung , Christle Jeffrey W , Cauwenberghs Nicholas , Celestin Bettia E. , Tso Jason V. , Wheeler Matthew T , Ashley Euan A , Peterman James E. , Arena Ross , Harber Matthew , Kaminsky Leonard A. , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Myers Jonathan N. , Haddad Francois 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDCardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), measured by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), is a strong predictor of mortality. Despite its widespread clinical use, current reference equations for VO2peak show distorted calibration in obese individuals. Using data from the Fitness Registry and the Importance of Exercise National Database (FRIEND), we sought to develop novel reference equations for VO2peak better calibrated for overweight/obese individuals - in both males and females, by considering body composition metrics.METHODS AND RESULTSGraded treadmill tests from 6,836 apparently healthy individuals were considered in data analysis. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey equations to estimate lean body mass (eLBM) and body fat percentage (eBF).Multivariable regression was used to determine sex-specific equations for predicting VO2peak considering age terms, eLBM and eBF. The resultant equations were expressed as VO2peak (male) = 2633.4 + 48.7✕eLBM (kg) - 63.6✕eBF (%) - 0.23✕Age2(R2=0.44) and VO2peak (female) = 1174.9 + 49.4✕eLBM (kg) - 21.7✕eBF (%) - 0.158✕Age2(R2=0.53). These equations were well-calibrated in subgroups based on sex, age and body mass index (BMI), in contrast to the Wasserman equation. In addition, residuals for the percent-predicted VO2peak (ppVO2) were stable over the predicted VO2peak range, with low CRF defined as < 70% ppVO2and average CRF defined between 85-115%.CONCLUSIONSThe derived VO2peak reference equations provided physiologically explainable and were well-calibrated across the spectrum of age, sex and BMI. These equations will yield more accurate VO2peak evaluation, particularly in obese individuals.
Early sports specialization in Japanese young soccer players and related factors
Authors: Nagano Yasuharu , Sasaki Shogo , Higashihara Ayako , Oyama Takashi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough understanding the status of sports participation is essential for preventing injuries in young athletes, the level of specialization and relevant information in Japan is unknown. This study aimed to clarify the status of sports specialization and examine the relationships between specialization and training status in Japanese young soccer players.Four hundred Japanese young male soccer players were included. The players’ parents completed a web questionnaire that consisted of three-point questions regarding specialization and training status (year, days of playing soccer, age when starting soccer). The level of specialization and accompanying information were calculated, and data were compared by specialization status. Of the participants, 53.8% demonstrated a high level of specialization. In addition, 74.5% considered soccer more important than other sports, 89.0% trained in soccer for more than 8 months of the year, and 74.0% had quit other sports to focus on soccer or played only soccer. The proportion of participants who played only soccer was significantly higher in the high-specialization group (37.6%) than in the moderate-specialization (22.5%;P< .01) and low-specialization (7.1%;P< .01) groups. By specialization status at grades 4 to 6 (9–12 years), 40.3% of participants demonstrated a high level of specialization. Young Japanese soccer players tend toward early specialization. Factors contributing to the high-specialization level are being active throughout the year and rarely playing other sports. Training volume should be controlled in children of this age with avoidance of early specialization.
Incidence and risk factors of omicron variant SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection among vaccinated and boosted individuals
Authors: Moreno-Echevarria Fabiola M. , Caputo Mathew T. , Camp Daniel M. , Reddy Susheel , Achenbach Chad J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundSARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective against infection and severe COVID-19 disease worldwide. Certain co-morbid conditions cause immune dysfunction and may reduce immune response to vaccination. In contrast, those with co-morbidities may practice infection prevention strategies. Thus, the real-world clinical impact of co-morbidities on SARS-CoV-2 infection in the recent post-vaccination period is not well established. We performed this study to understand the epidemiology of Omicron breakthrough infection and evaluate associations with number of comorbidities in a vaccinated and boosted population.Methods and FindingsWe performed a retrospective clinical cohort study utilizing the Northwestern Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse. Our study population was identified as fully vaccinated adults with at least one booster. The primary risk factor of interest was the number of co-morbidities. Our primary outcome was incidence and time to first positive SARS-CoV-2 molecular test in the Omicron predominant era. We performed multivariable analyses stratified by calendar time using Cox modeling to determine hazard of SARS-CoV-2. In total, 133,191 patients were analyzed. Having 3+ comorbidities was associated with increased hazard for breakthrough (HR=1.2 CI 1.2-1.6). During the second half of the study, having 2 comorbidities (HR= 1.1 95% CI 1.02-1.2) and having 3+ comorbidities (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5-1.9) were associated with increased hazard for Omicron breakthrough. Older age was associated with decreased hazard in the first 6 months of follow-up. Interaction terms for calendar time indicated significant changes in hazard for many factors between the first and second halves of the follow-up period.ConclusionsOmicron breakthrough is common with significantly higher risk for our most vulnerable patients with multiple co-morbidities. Age related behavioral factors play an important role in breakthrough infection with the highest incidence among young adults. Our findings reflect real-world differences in immunity and exposure risk behaviors for populations vulnerable to COVID-19.
Examining the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Genital Warts among HIV-Infected and HIV-Negative Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Cameroon
Authors: Fougang Daina Charnelle , Kuete Martin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundCurrent research primarily focuses on high-risk strains of HPV associated with cervical cancer, overlooking risk factors for low-risk HPV infections like genital warts among vulnerable women, especially concerning their HIV serology. Understanding the interplay between genital warts, HIV status, and socio-cultural factors is crucial for informing targeted prevention to alleviate the burden of genital warts in vulnerable populations.AimsThe purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of genital warts among women based on their HIV serostatus.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among women seeking gynecological consultation at a public Hospital in Cameroon. Data were collected through a survey and medical records, then analyzed using SPSS version 18.0.ResultsAmong 257 women attending the hospital, 60 had genital warts, with the majority being HIV-positive (63.33%). Notably, 67% of these women sought gynecology consultation for the first time for genital warts. The location and types of genital warts were associated with HIV status, with papule genital warts being more prevalent among HIV-infected women and acuminate warts among non-infected women. Additionally, associations were found between smoking, multiple sexual partners, and genital warts among HIV-positive women. The reliance on traditional medicine or homemade remedies (85%) and the high prevalence of self-medication (75%) were also observed.ConclusionsAddressing socio-cultural barriers is essential to enhance healthcare-seeking behaviour, facilitate early detection and treatment, and alleviate the burden of genital warts and HIV. Efforts should prioritize awareness-raising, enhancing healthcare access, and integrating traditional medicine into comprehensive healthcare systems.
Discovery of orally bioavailable SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitor as a potential treatment for COVID-19
Authors: Lu Yongzhi , Yang Qi , Ran Ting , Zhang Guihua , Li Wenqi , Zhou Peiqi , Tang Jielin , Dai Minxian , Zhong Jinpeng , Chen Hua , He Pan , Zhou Anqi , Xue Bao , Chen Jiayi , Zhang Jiyun , Yang Sidi , Wu Kunzhong , Wu Xinyu , Tang Miru , Zhang Wei K. , Guo Deyin , Chen Xinwen , Chen Hongming , Shang Jinsai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), 3C-like protease (3CLpro), and papain-like protease (PLpro) are pivotal components in the viral life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, presenting as promising therapeutic targets. Currently, all FDA-approved antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 are RdRp or 3CLproinhibitors. However, the mutations causing drug resistance have been observed in RdRp and 3CLprofrom SARS-CoV-2, which makes it necessary to develop antivirals with novel mechanisms. Through the application of a structure-based drug design (SBDD) approach, we discovered a series of novel potent non-covalent PLproinhibitors with remarkablein vitropotency andin vivoPK properties. The co-crystal structures of PLprowith leads revealed that the residues D164 and Q269 around the S2 site are critical for improving the inhibitor’s potency. The lead compound GZNL-P36 not only inhibited SARS-CoV-2 and its variants at the cellular level with EC50 ranging from 58.2 nM to 306.2 nM, but also inhibited HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-229E with EC50 of 81.6 nM and 2.66 μM, respectively. Oral administration of the compound resulted in significantly improved survival and notable reductions in lung viral loads and lesions in SARS- CoV-2 infection mouse model, consistent with RNA-seq data analysis. Our results indicate that PLproinhibitor is a promising SARS-CoV-2 therapy.
Wolbachiaas agents of extensive mtDNA lineage sharing between species through multiple infection
Authors: Noguerales Víctor , Emerson Brent C. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTWolbachiacan manipulate arthropod host reproduction, triggering the homogenisation of mtDNA variation within species and introgression between hybridising species through indirect selection. While fixation within species of mtDNA variants linked toWolbachiainfections has been documented, a broader understanding of the potential consequences ofWolbachiainfection through hybridisation is limited. Here we evaluateWolbachiatransmission through hybridisation as a mechanistic explanation for extensive mtDNA paraphyly between two species of iron-clad beetle (Zopheridae). Our analyses reveal a complex pattern of mitochondrial variation, supporting the introgression of at least five mtDNA lineages fromTarphius canariensisintoT. simplex, in a background of a sharedWolbachiainfection across both species. Genetic clustering and demographic simulations reveal a clear pattern of nuclear differentiation between species, a limited signature of historical gene flow, and the eastwards range expansion ofT. simplexacross the existing distribution ofT. canariensis.These results are consistent with hybridisation during early stages of secondary contact, during whichWolbachiainfection facilitated recurrent mtDNA introgression events. These results highlight the complex restructuring of mitochondrial differentiation across invertebrate species that can result from bacterial endosymbiotic infections, a phenomena with potentially profound impacts for the disciplines of phylogeography and species delimitation.
Unique functional neuroimaging signatures of genetic versus clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Schleifer Charles H. , Chang Sarah E. , Amir Carolyn M. , O’Hora Kathleen P. , Fung Hoki , Kang Jee Won D. , Kushan-Wells Leila , Daly Eileen , Fabio Fabio Di , Frascarelli Marianna , Gudbrandsen Maria , Kates Wendy R. , Murphy Declan , Addington Jean , Anticevic Alan , Cadenhead Kristin S. , Cannon Tyrone D. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , Keshavan Matcheri , Mathalon Daniel H. , Perkins Diana O. , Stone William , Walker Elaine , Woods Scott W. , Uddin Lucina Q. , Kumar Kuldeep , Hoftman Gil D. , Bearden Carrie E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22qDel) is a copy number variant (CNV) associated with psychosis and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Adolescents at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) have subthreshold psychosis symptoms without known genetic risk factors. Whether common neural substrates underlie these distinct high-risk populations is unknown. We compared functional brain measures in 22qDel and CHR cohorts and mapped results to biological pathways.MethodsWe analyzed two large multi-site cohorts with resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI): 1) 22qDel (n=164, 47% female) and typically developing (TD) controls (n=134, 56% female); 2) CHR individuals (n=244, 41% female) and TD controls (n=151, 46% female) from the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study-2. We computed global brain connectivity (GBC), local connectivity (LC), and brain signal variability (BSV) across cortical regions, testing case-control differences for 22qDel and CHR separately. Group difference maps were related to published brain maps using autocorrelation-preserving permutation.ResultsBSV, LC, and GBC are significantly disrupted in 22qDel compared with TD controls (False Discovery Rate q<0.05). Spatial maps of BSV and LC differences are highly correlated with each other, unlike GBC. In CHR, only LC is significantly altered versus controls, with a different spatial pattern compared to 22qDel. Group differences map onto biological gradients, with 22qDel effects strongest in regions with high predicted blood flow and metabolism.Conclusion22qDel and CHR exhibit divergent effects on fMRI temporal variability and multi-scale functional connectivity. In 22qDel, strong and convergent disruptions in BSV and LC not seen in CHR individuals suggest distinct functional brain alterations.
Sleep disturbance in people with anxiety or depressive disorders over 30 years, and the influence of personality disorder
Authors: King Jacob D , Yang Min , Tyrer Helen , Tyrer Peter 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesSleep disturbance is commonly reported by people with anxiety, depressive and personality disorders, but longitudinal studies exploring the interplay of the three with disturbed sleep have not previously been described.MethodsIn this study sleep disturbance was examined among 89 patients initially presenting with anxiety or depressive disorders who provided follow-up at 12 and 30 year timepoints in The Nottingham Study of Neurotic Disorder. Multiple regression models were used to identify factors most predictive of poor sleep, and changes in sleep quality over time.ResultsThere were strong associations between poor sleep and contemporaneous severity of personality disorder and the presence of other mental disorders at 12 and 30 years follow-up, but not with disorder presence at other time points. Improvements in personality disorder were associated with improvements in sleep between time points, and attenuated the positive unadjusted effects of recovery from anxiety or depressive disorders to insignificance. Relapse into further episodes of mental disorder predicted poorer sleep, whereas worsening personality disorder was not predictive of significant changes when adjusting for other factors.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the complex interplay between anxiety, depressive and personality disorders and sleep disturbance over a long follow-up period. Future research might look to examine the relationship between personality disorder and disturbed sleep with interventional studies and by integrating personality trait research.
Cost-effectiveness of mass drug administration with ivermectin against strongyloidiasis: a modelling study
Authors: Coffeng Luc E. , Lo Nathan C. , de Vlas Sake J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundStrongyloidiasis, caused by the parasitic intestinal wormStrongyloides stercoralis, infects hundreds of millions of people globally. Current school-based preventive chemotherapy (PC) programs that use benzimidazole derivatives (e.g., albendazole) against soil-transmitted helminths do not effectively treat strongyloidiasis, which requires treatment with ivermectin. We estimate the cost-effectiveness of mass drug administration with ivermectin for the control of strongyloidiasis.MethodsWe developed a mathematical model to simulate the population dynamics ofS. stercoralisand the impact of school-based and community-wide PC across a range of epidemiological settings. We simulated 10-year PC programs with varying treatment coverages. We estimated a primary outcome of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted by each PC strategy and calculate the programmatic cost (US$) of each strategy. We estimated cost-effectiveness by comparing strategies by their incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (US$/averted DALY) and expected loss curves.FindingsThe model found community-based PC was the most cost-effective strategy (≤600 US$ / DALY averted), despite costing approximately 5 times as much as school-based PC. Community-based PC targeted at ages 5 and above reduced infection levels close to 0% within 5 to 6 years. School-based PC was predicted to have very little impact. These results were robust across a range of epidemiologic settings above a measured prevalence of 2-5% in school age children.InterpretationAnnual community-based PC is the most cost-effective public health strategy to control strongyloidiasis, being superior to school-based PC due to most of the infections and mortality occurring in adults. A baseline prevalence of 2% of infection in school age children, as measured by Baermann or stool culture, is a suitable minimum threshold for cost-effective implementation of community-based PC.FundingWorld Health Organization.
Is exposure to pesticides associated with biological aging? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zuo Shanshan , Sasitharan Vidhya , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Vonk Judith M. , Vries Maaike De , Sherif Moustafa , Ádám Balázs , Rivillas Juan Carlos , Gallo Valentina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveExposure to pesticides is a risk factor for various diseases, yet its association with biological aging remains unclear. We aimed to systematically investigate the relationship between pesticide exposure and biological aging.MethodsPubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 2023. Observational studies investigating the association between pesticide exposure and biomarkers of biological aging were included. Three-level random-effect meta-analysis was used to synthesize the data. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsTwenty studies evaluating the associations between pesticide exposure and biomarkers of biological aging in 10,368 individuals were included. Sixteen reported telomere length and four reported epigenetic clocks. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant associations between pesticide exposure and the Hannum clock (pooled β = 0.27; 95%CI: -0.25, 0.79), or telomere length (pooled Hedges’g = -0.46; 95%CI: -1.10, 0.19). However, the opposite direction of effect for the two outcomes showed an indication of possible accelerated biological aging. After removal of influential effect sizes or low-quality studies, shorter telomere length was found in higher-exposed populations.ConclusionThe existing evidence for associations between pesticide exposure and biological aging is limited due to the scarcity of studies on epigenetic clocks and the substantial heterogeneity across studies examining telomere length. High-quality studies incorporating more biomarkers of biological aging, focusing more on active chemical ingredients of pesticides and accounting for potential confounders are needed to enhance our understanding of the impact of pesticides on biological aging.