bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence, types, and associated factors of external abdominal hernias among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department, eastern Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional study
Authors: Miresa Fufa , Abdulhadi Munewor , Aliye Abdurahman , Beyene Badhaasaa , Sileshi Rahel 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Abdominal hernia is the most common surgical alignment that affects all age groups and sexes. It is characterized by the protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall's muscles and fascia. In this study, the incidence, types, and associated factors of external abdominal hernias at Hiwotfana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Jugal Regional Hospital, eastern Ethiopia, were ascertained.

Objective:
To identify the incidence, types, and associated factors of external abdominal hernia among adult patients who visited the surgical outpatient department of Hiwotfana comprehensive specialized hospital and Jugal regional hospital from 20 October to 5 December 2022.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 October to 5 December 2022, on adult patients who visited the surgical outpatient department at the Hiwotfana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Jugal Regional Hospital in eastern Ethiopia. All adult patients who visited the surgical outpatient department of each hospital were enroled in the study using a stratified random sampling technique. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted, and the results were presented in text, graphs, and tables. Odd ratios for the strength and directions of association were used with a 95% CI, and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.

Result:
A total of 403 participants were included in this study from two different governmental hospitals in Harar town, with a 100% response rate. The incidence of the external abdominal wall hernia was 41 (10.2%). The epigastric hernia had the highest prevalence (41.5%, n=17). Constipation [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.91, CI=1.119–7.579), prolonged cough (AOR=3.993, CI=1.358–11.741), history of abdominal surgery (AOR=5.764, CI=1.837–18.083) and heavy lifting (AOR=5.476, CI=2.505–11.969) had statistically significant association (P≤0.05).

Conclusion:
The incidence of external abdominal wall hernia in our area is similar to the other existing literature reported from different areas. Epigastric hernia is the most prevalent type of external abdominal hernia and is commonly encountered in female patients. Constipation, a prolonged cough, previous abdominal surgery, and heavy lifting are significantly associated with an external abdominal wall hernia.
Insights gained from sequencing Australian non-invasive and invasive Streptococcus pyogenes isolates
Authors: Butler Trent A.J. , Story Chloe , Green Emily , Williamson Kirsten M. , Newton Peter , Jenkins Frances , Varadhan Hemalatha , van Hal Sebastiaan 
Published: January 2024

Epidemiological data have indicated that invasive infections caused by the Gram-positive cocci

Streptococcus pyogenes

(group A streptococcus, GAS) have increased in many Australian states over the past two decades. In July 2022, invasive GAS (iGAS) infections became nationally notifiable in Australia via public-health agencies. Surveillance for

S. pyogenes

infections has been sporadic within the state of New South Wales (NSW). This has led to a lack of genetic data on GAS strains in circulation, particularly for non-invasive infections, which are the leading cause of GAS’s burden on the Australian healthcare system. To address this gap, we used whole-genome sequencing to analyse the genomes of 318

S

.

pyogenes

isolates collected within two geographical regions of NSW. Invasive isolates were collected in 2007–2017, whilst non-invasive isolates were collected in 2019–2021. We found that at least 66 different emm-types were associated with clinical disease within NSW. There was no evidence of any Australian-specific clones in circulation. The M1UK variant of the emm1 global pandemic clone (M1global) has been detected in our isolates from 2013 onwards. We detected antimicrobial-resistance genes (mainly tetM, ermA or ermB genes) in less than 10 % of our 318 isolates, which were more commonly associated with non-invasive infections. Superantigen virulence gene carriage was reasonably proportionate between non-invasive and invasive infection isolates. Our study adds rich data on the genetic makeup of historical

S. pyogenes

infections within Australia. Ongoing surveillance of invasive and non-invasive GAS infections within NSW by whole-genome sequencing is warranted to inform on outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance and vaccine coverage.
Genetic Markers and Predictive Factors Influencing the Aggressive Behavior of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation
Authors: Galvão Gustavo F. , Trefilio Luisa M. , Salvio Andreza L. , da Silva Elielson V. , Alves-Leon Soniza V. , Fontes-Dantas Fabrícia L. , de Souza Jorge M. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBiological behavior of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) is still controversial without clear-cut signature for biological mechanistic explanation of lesion aggressiveness. There is plenty evidence implicating dysregulated inflammatory and immune responses in vascular malformation pathogenesis, including CCM. In the present study, we evaluated the predictive capacity of the SNPsVDRrs7975232, VDRrs731236, VDRrs11568820as well as expanded the analysis ofPTPN2rs72872125andFCGR2Ars1801274in relation to the aggressive behavior of CCM and its implications in biological processes. This was a single-site prospective observational cohort study with 103 patients enrolled, 42 had close follow-up visits for a period of 4 years, focused on 2 main aspects of the disease: (1) symptomatic event that composed both intracranial bleeding or epilepsy and (2) precocity of symptoms. We report a novel observation that thePTPN2rs72872125CT and theVDRrs7975232CC genotype were independently associated with an asymptomatic phenotype. Additionally,PTPN2rs72872125CC genotype and serum level of GM-CSF could predict a diagnostic association with symptomatic phenotype in CCM patients, while theFCGR2Ars1801274GG genotype could predict a symptomatic event during follow-up. The study also found a correlation betweenVDRrs731236AA andVDRrs11568820CC genotype to the time to first symptomatic event. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the genetic markers that could potentially impact the development and advancement of CCM.
A Novel Fluorescent Immuno-Lectin Assay to Identify Osteoarthritis Associated Glycoforms of Lubricin
Authors: Afshari Ali Reza , Thomsson Kristina A. , Höglund Jennifer , Ryberg Henrik , Gidwani Kamlesh , Pettersson Kim , Rolfson Ola , Björkman Lena I , Eisler Thomas , Schmidt Tannin A. , Jay Gregory D. , Karlsson Niclas G. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLubricin or proteoglycan-4 (PRG-4) is a mucinous glycoprotein lubricating the cartilage and maintaining normal tissue function and cell-homeostasis. AlteredO-glycoforms of lubricin has been found in osteoarthritis (OA) synovial fluid (SF). Here, we utilized a Fluorescent Immuno-Lectin Assay (FILA) to measure the levels of lubricin glycoforms in plasma/SF and their potential as biomarkers for disease. Five different lectins were used in the assay: Macrophage Galactose-type lectin (MGL),Sambucus NigraAgglutinin (SNA),Maackia AmurensisAgglutinin (MAA), Peanut Agglutinin (PNA), and Galectin-3 (Gal-3). Our results showed that the levels of lubricin glycoforms in late-stage knee OA plasma (typically <10 μg/ml) are 1-3 order of magnitude lower than in OA SF (typically> 100 μg/ml). Furthermore, plasma lubricin glycans displayed higher level of sialylation, while SF derived lubricin displayed higher level of Tn-antigens. In OA patients we found decreased level in plasma of SNA binding lubricin (p=0.0023) compared to controls. This lectin binds 6 linked sialic acid. In addition, we found that lubricin glycoforms correlated both with Body Mass Index (BMI) and age, especially in regards of sialylation as measured by both MAA and SNA. Our data suggest that glycosylation of lubricin is different comparing SF with plasma. Moreover, the glycosylation of plasma lubricin is altered in OA patients compared controls.
Validation of the Arabic version of the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: Agou Shoroog Hassan 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTThe Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) was developed just over twenty years ago to measure quality of life (QoL) changes in patients with dentofacial deformities undergoing orthognathic surgery. However, despite being used in several studies conducted in Arabic-speaking nations of the Middle East and North Africa region, there has yet to be a formal psychometric evaluation of an Arabic OQLQ. The aim of this study was to develop and assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of an Arabic version of the OQLQ in a cohort of Saudi Arabian patients with malocclusions and dentofacial deformities. The translation of the OQLQ used an established method for adapting health questionnaires, where the questionnaire underwent translation and back-translation by bilinguals with subsequent consultation with professionals. Cronbach’s α coefficient for internal consistency was 0.92, denoting “excellent” internal consistency, and test-retest reliability was good to excellent. Overall OQOL scores were weakly but positively correlated with satisfaction with surgical treatment and were significantly lower after surgery than before surgery. The Arabic version of the OQLQ is conceptually similar to the English version, comprehensible, reliable, valid, and responsive. Future studies should now use this standardized version to ensure reliability of the results and allow comparisons between studies.
Clinical features and outcomes of scorpion sting in western lowland of Eritrea: a prospective descriptive study
Authors: Frezgi Okbu , Berhane Araia , Gebreyohannes Adiam , Ghebrewelde Ghide , Tekie Henok , Kiflezgi Tsegezab , Mohamedsied Abdulaziz , Tekie Yonas , Alem Abel , Ahmed Hagos , Gebrejesus Tewaldemedhine 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundScorpion envenomation is a public health problem that results in a life-threatening medical emergency in tropical and subtropical regions. Paediatric victims are more at risk to severe envenomation compared to adults.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine clinical features and outcome of patients hospitalized due to scorpion stings at the Tesseney Community Hospital.MethodsA prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from 1stJune 2019 to 31stMay 2020 on patients hospitalized due to scorpion stings at the Tesseney Community Hospital.Results165 scorpion sting patients were admitted during the study period. Majority were older than 15 years old (61.8%) with an approximately equal male-to-female sex ratio (0.94:1). Scorpion sting cases largely belonged to urban (57%) compared to rural areas. The black scorpion (38.8%) was the predominately identified scorpion, but in a proportion of cases the scorpion colour was undetermined (31.5%). The foot was predominate sting site (64.8%) followed by hand (31.5%). A single sting (91.5%) was more frequently presented compared to multiple stings (8.5%). Majority (94.8%) of scorpion sting cases occurred during the summer period with highest scorpion stings counts belonging to September and October. The main clinical manifestations upon presentation were localized pain (70.3%) and sweating (56.4%) with more severe symptoms exhibited amongst age groups less than 15 years old. The fatality rate (4.8%) was largely associated age groups less than 15 years old with (p = 0.006, OR: 2.845; 95% CI: 0.656-12.343).ConclusionOur study found children experienced more severe envenoming symptoms with related mortality compared to adults. This study may be a tool to identify at-risk population groups and build measures to prevent scorpion stings within the western lowlands of Eritrea.
A mobile app providing individually-tailored psychoeducation about sleep for older adults with chronic health conditions and low health literacy
Authors: Ownby Raymond L , Thomas-Purcell Kamilah , Purcell Donrie , Caballero Joshua , Tewary Sweta , Davenport Rosemary , Simonson Michael 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis paper reports the effect of a mobile app that provides tailored information about sleep to individuals aged 40 and older who have chronic health conditions and low health literacy.MethodsThe sleep module was a part of a multitopic app focused on chronic disease self-management. Participants were randomly assigned to receive sleep psychoeducation at reading levels equivalent to 3rd, 6thor 8thgrade. The primary outcome measure was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which was completed at baseline, after the intervention, and again three months later. Outcomes were assessed using repeated measures mixed effects models.ResultsMost participants were Black, Indigenous, or Other Persons of Color (BIPOC; 87%); they had average reading level at the 7thgrade. Health literacy, socioeconomic status, number of health conditions, and the intervention’s effect were related to the PSQI. The PSQI score significantly decreased over the course of the three study visits for all groups, consistent with a small to medium effect size (d= 0.40). No effect of treatment group was observed.ConclusionResults suggest that a brief tailored information intervention may be beneficial for individuals aged 40 and older who have low health literacy and chronic health conditions. Further development of the intervention may enhance its clinical effectiveness.Registered atclinicaltrials.govNCT02922439.
Occupational cancer risk surveillance in HIV-infected individuals exposed to chemicals: Role of p53 molecular marker
Authors: Udah Donald C. , Bakarey Adeleye S. , Anetor Gloria O. , Omabe Maxwell , Edem Victory F. , Ademowo Olusegun G. , Anetor John I. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe growing exposure to occupational chemicals and HIV infection are both major global health issues. However, there is little data on the carcinogenic risk profile of HIV-infected individuals who have been occupationally exposed to chemical mixtures. This study therefore investigated the levels of cancer risk biomarkers in HIV-infected individuals exposed to occupational chemicals, exploring the relationship between apoptotic regulatory markers and DNA oxidative response markers as a measure of cancer risk.Apparently healthy adults (mean age 38.35±0.72years) were divided into four groups according to their HIV status and occupational chemical exposure: 62 HIV positive exposed (HPE), 66 HIV positive unexposed (HPU), 60 HIV negative exposed (HNE), and 60 HIV negative unexposed (HNU). Serum p53, bcl2, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated by standard methods. Blood samples were analysed for CD4 cell count by flow cytometry.Serum p53 and bcl2 levels in HPE (0.91±0.11ng/ml and 122.37±15.77ng/ml) were significantly lower than HNU (1.49±0.15ng/ml and 225.52±33.67ng/ml) (p < 0.05), respectively. Wildtype p53 and bcl2 were positively and significantly correlated with 8-OHdG (r=0.35, p<0.001; r=0.36, p<0.001) and SOD (r=0.38, p<0.001; r=0.39, p<0.001). After controlling for gender, age, BMI, and cigarette smoking, both HIV status and SOD activity were significantly associated with wildtype p53 and bcl2 (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde was significantly higher in the HPE (0.72 ± 0.01 mg/ml) than in the HNE (0.68 ± 0.01 mg/ml) and HNU (0.67 ± 0.01 mg/ml) groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the HPE group (578.87±33.64 cells/µL) exhibited significantly lower CD4 counts than the HNE (785.35±36.8 cells/µL) and HNU (862.15±43.29 cells/µL) groups. Individuals infected with HIV and occupationally exposed to chemical substances exhibit compromised immunity, elevated oxidative stress, and depressed p53 (loss of tumour suppressive capacity) and bcl2; a convergence promoting the carcinogenic pathway and elevated cancer risk. These findings provide a mechanistic basis of cancer risk and scientific justification for preventive strategies against carcinogenesis in individuals who are HIV-infected.
Relationship between Physical Activity and Self-esteem of High School Students: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Alparslan Zafer , Özer Ömür , Arslan Eda Nur , Aktaş İlknur Irem , Susuz İbrahım Erdem , Özaydın Ayşe Nilüfer 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and self-esteem of high school students and contribute the literature from a different sociocultural area.MethodsIn this descriptive study, whole population of 10thand 11thgrade of Capa Science High School (Istanbul/Türkiye) students are invited to study. Voluntarily participating students were asked to answer the questions written on standard survey paper, under the observation of researchers. Survey papers included sociodemographic answers as well as Short Form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire to evaluate physical activity levels and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale to evaluate self-esteem. IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 11) were used to analyse data. Level of p<0.05 was accepted as statistical significance.ResultsData of 225 persons were succesfully collected (n=278, 80.93%). 16 persons’ data was excluded from physical activity related analyses due to incomplete answers. The 71.60% (n=161) of participants were male, 27.60% (n=62) were female and rest (n=2) did not want to express their genders. Males reported higher self-esteem (p=0.002) and higher physical activity (p=0.031) than females. Self-esteem was associated with regular exercise (p=0.034) status and self-evaluted school success (p=0.001). Self-esteem correlated with participants’ height (p=0.029, r=0.146). Finally, positive correlation between self-esteem and physical activity was found. (p=0.045, r=0.140).ConclusionPhysical activity and self-esteem was correlated with each other in this study. Potential causational relation and underlying mechanisms should be investigated.
Reverse mutational scanning of spike BA.2.86 identifies epitopes contributing to immune escape from polyclonal sera
Authors: Bdeir Najat , Lüddecke Tatjana , Maaß Henrike , Schmelz Stefan , Rand Ulfert , Jacobsen Henning , Metzdorf Kristin , Kulkarni Upasana , Cossmann Anne , Stankov Metodi V. , Hoffmann Markus , Pöhlmann Stefan , Blankenfeldt Wulf , Dopfer-Jablonka Alexandra , Behrens Georg M.N. , Čičin-Šain Luka 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTThe recently detected Omicron BA.2.86 lineage contains more than 30 amino acid mutations relative to BA.2. BA.2.86 and its JN.1 derivative evade neutralization by serum antibodies of fully vaccinated individuals. In this study, we elucidate epitopes driving the immune escape of BA.2.86 and JN.1 via pseudovirus neutralization. Thus, we have generated 33 BA.2.86 mutants, each reverting a single mutation back to BA.2. We use this library in an approach that we call reverse mutational scanning to define distinct neutralization titers against each epitope. Mutations within the receptor binding domain at K356T, V483Δ, and to a lesser extent N460K, A484K, and F486P enhance immune escape. Interestingly, 16insMPLF within the spike N-terminal domain and P621S within S1/S2 also significantly contribute to antibody escape of BA.2.86. Upon XBB.1.5 booster vaccination, neutralization titers against JN.1 and BA.2.86 improve considerably, and a residual immune escape is driven by 16insMPLF, N460K, E554K, and to a lesser extent P621S, and A484K.EDITOR’S SUMMARYSARS COV2 Omicron lineage BA.2.86 has over 30 mutations compared to the parental BA.2 lineage. Here Bdeir and colleagues apply reverse mutational scanning to determine which among these mutations present in Omicron BA.2.86 are epitopes linked to immune escape from antibody recognition.
Longitudinal immunophenotyping to track motor progression in Parkinson’s Associated with a TH mutation
Authors: Gopinath A. , Ramirez-Zamora A. , Franks S. , Riaz T. , Smith A. , Dizon G. , Hornstein L. , Follett J. , Swartz C. , Bravo J. , Kugelmann E.L. , Farrer M. , Okun M.S. , Khoshbouei H. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and Objectives: PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the fastest growing. Genetic factors account for ∼15% of cases. Despite some consistency in symptoms across idiopathic and genetic PD cases, tracking progression and treatment response remains an important challenge especially in the development of new therapies. There have been many traditional approaches to tracking including DaTscan imaging, cardiac 123I-MIBG scintigraphy, MRI, CSF analysis, and following clinical symptom progression. Methods: Our previous work showed that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) expressing dopamine transporter (DAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in PD patients may correlate with disease progression and with the response to treatment with levodopa. We describe a single case longitudinal follow up of a 40-45-year-old woman with PD who carried a heterozygous TH mutation. We assessed her clinical features over 18 months with DaT scans and immunophenotyping of her PBMCs. Her data were compared with idiopathic PD (n=130 subjects, both sexes) and healthy controls (n=80, age/sex matched). Results: The results revealed a rise in DAT+ immune cells which occurred coincident to documented worsening of her UPDRS-III motor scores. Unlike idiopathic PD patients, following levodopa therapy, the TH+ immune cell levels remained elevated, despite UPDRS-III score improvement. Discussion: The longitudinal immunophenotyping in this PD patient with a TH mutation suggested that DAT+ and TH+ PBMCs could be candidate biomarkers for PD progression and possibly treatment effectiveness. This study provides proof of concept to explore this approach to investigate immunophenotyping in PD progression.