bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insecticide-treated net utilization and associated factors among pregnant women in East Africa: evidence from the recent national demographic and health surveys, 2011–2022
Authors: Terefe Bewuketu , Habtie Adane , Chekole Bogale 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The pregnant woman, the fetus, and the newborn child are all at risk from malaria infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Employing insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) is one of the most efficient methods for avoiding malaria among expectant mothers. However, there is no literature that describes ITN use among pregnant women in East Africa or the contributing factors. Therefore, this study sought to identify the factors affecting pregnant women’s ITN utilization in East Africa.

Methods
The most recent DHS (Demographic and Health Survey) data for the 11 East African countries from 2011 to 2022 was used. 13,729 pregnant women were examined. To identify factors associated with ITN use, a binary and multiple logistic regression model was built. Variables having a p-value of less than or equal to 0.2 in the binary logistic regression analysis were taken into consideration for the multivariable analysis. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was provided to proclaim the statistical significance and degree of correlation.

Results
The survey found that just 47.05% (95% CI 46.21, 47.88) of pregnant mothers reported using ITNs. The highest and lowest values were seen in Uganda (64.13%) and Zimbabwe (6.08%). Women age 25-34y (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.11, 1.29), 35–49y (aOR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.13, 1.41) as compared to 15–24 years, poorer (aOR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.04–1.27), middle (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.09, 1.35), and rich (aOR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.06, 1.31) wealth indexes as compared to poorest, having > 5 family size (AOR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.78, 0.91) primary (aOR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.36, 1.65), and secondary/higher education (aOR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.35, 1.70) as compared to not educated, and married women (aOR = 1.64; 95% CI 1.44, 1.86) have shown a statistically significant association with ITN utilization among pregnant women.

Conclusion
With a variety of risk variables, including age, wealth, family size, and education, pregnant women in East Africa rarely use ITNs. There is a need to create and strengthen malaria prevention programmes, especially among pregnant women who do not use ITNs, based on the variables mentioned.
Magnetic vagus nerve stimulation alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by the inhibition of pyroptosis through the M2AChR/OGDHL/ROS axis in rats
Authors: Lu Yao , Chen Kaiyan , Zhao Wei , Hua Yan , Bao Siyuan , Zhang Jian , Wu Tianyu , Ge Gaoyuan , Yu Yue , Sun Jianfei , Zhang Fengxiang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is accompanied by an imbalance in the cardiac autonomic nervous system, characterized by over-activated sympathetic tone and reduced vagal nerve activity. In our preceding study, we pioneered the development of the magnetic vagus nerve stimulation (mVNS) system. This system showcased precise vagus nerve stimulation, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness and safety in treating myocardial infarction. However, it remains uncertain whether mVNS can mitigate myocardial I/R injury and its specific underlying mechanisms. In this study, we utilized a rat model of myocardial I/R injury to delve into the therapeutic potential of mVNS against this type of injury.

Results
Our findings revealed that mVNS treatment led to a reduction in myocardial infarct size, a decrease in ventricular fibrillation (VF) incidence and a curbing of inflammatory cytokine release. Mechanistically, mVNS demonstrated beneficial effects on myocardial I/R injury by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis through the M2AChR/OGDHL/ROS axis.

Conclusions
Collectively, these outcomes highlight the promising potential of mVNS as a treatment strategy for myocardial I/R injury.
Synergetic regulation of cancer cells and exhausted T cells to fight cold tumors with a fluorinated EGCG-based nanocomplex
Authors: Zhang Jinlin , Wang Mingyue , He Doudou , Zhang Liang , Liu Tianqing , Wang Kaikai 
Published: November 2023

AbstractImmune therapy that targets PD-L1 (programmed cell death-ligand 1) is attractive to augment immune response by breaking the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 axis. However, T cell exhaustion associated with insufficient T cells infiltration may diminish the efficacy of cancer therapy. Here, we report a novel delivery system of FEGCG/FPEI@siTOX composed of fluorinated EGCG (FEGCG) and fluorinated polyethyleneimine (FPEI) for delivery of small interfering RNA anti-TOX (thymus high mobility group box protein, TOX) to treat tumor and metastasis. In this way, the reduction in PD-L1 expression by FEGCG can promote T-cell function, while inhibition of TOX expression with siTOX can alleviate T-cell exhaustion. FPEI are designed to deliver siRNA with high efficiency and low toxicity compared to classical PEI. Integrating FEGCG, FPEI and siTOX into such a novel system resulted in excellent anti-tumor and antimetastatic effects. It is a promising delivery system and potential strategy for the treatment of “cold” tumors.
A rapid review of current engagement strategies with people who use drugs in monitoring and reporting on substance use-related harms
Authors: Perri Melissa , Khorasheh Triti , Poon David Edward-Ooi , Kaminski Nat , LeBlanc Sean , Mizon Leticia , Smoke Ashley , Strike Carol , Leece Pamela 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The Canadian drug supply has significantly increased in toxicity over the past few years, resulting in the worsening of the overdose crisis. A key initiative implemented during this crisis has been data monitoring and reporting of substance use-related harms (SRH). This literature review aims to: (1) identify strategies used for the meaningful engagement of people who use drugs (PWUD) in local, provincial, and national SRH data system planning, reporting, and action and (2) describe data monitoring and reporting strategies and common indicators of SRH within those systems.

Methods
We searched three academic and five gray literature databases for relevant literature published between 2012 and 2022. Team members who identify as PWUD and a librarian at Public Health Ontario developed search strings collaboratively. Two reviewers screened all search results and applied the eligibility criteria. We used Microsoft Excel for data management.

Results
Twenty-two articles met our eligibility criteria (peer-reviewed n = 10 and gray literature reports n = 12); most used qualitative methods and focused on the Canadian context (n = 20). There were few examples of PWUD engaged as authors of reports on SRH monitoring. Among information systems involving PWUD, we found two main strategies: (1) community-based strategies (e.g., word of mouth, through drug sellers, and through satellite workers) and (2) public health-based data monitoring and communication strategies (e.g., communicating drug quality and alerts to PWUD). Substance use-related mortality, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits were the indicators most commonly used in systems of SRH reporting that engaged PWUD.

Conclusion
This review demonstrates limited engagement of PWUD and silos of activity in existing SRH data monitoring and reporting strategies. Future work is needed to better engage PWUD in these processes in an equitable manner. Building SRH monitoring systems in partnership with PWUD may increase the potential impact of these systems to reduce harms in the community.
Development of the National Policy for Quality in Healthcare for Malaysia
Authors: Awang Samsiah , Agins Bruce , Mohd Ujang Izzatur Rahmi , Narayanan Divya Nair , Zulkifli Nur Wahida , Hamidi Normaizira 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Quality in healthcare is a fundamental pillar of health systems performance, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced waste. The World Health Organization recommends that countries establish a national quality policy and strategy (NQPS) to steer the provision of safe and high-performing healthcare services and foster a quality culture. This paper describes the development process and key content of Malaysia’s new 5-year National Policy for Quality in Healthcare.

Methods
The development process was managed by a technical working group led by the Institute for Health Systems Research in the Ministry of Health. Situational analysis was conducted through a multi-pronged approach, underpinned by a review of the past and present healthcare sectoral and quality plans and guided by the WHO NQPS framework. This approach involved: (i) review of quality-related policy documents, (ii) online surveys of healthcare providers and the public, (iii) key-informant facilitated discussions and (iv) mapping of existing quality improvement initiatives (QIIs). Data gathered from these approaches informed the content of the new policy. Following thematic analysis, the findings were grouped into specific domains, which were then organized into a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) framework.

Results
Ten key areas of concern identified were (i) a people-centred holistic approach, (ii) governance for quality, (iii) resources, (iv) quality culture, (v) stakeholder engagement, (vi) health management information system, (vii) workforce competency, (viii) knowledge exchange, (ix) quality indicators and (x) monitoring and evaluation of quality activities. These led to the formulation of seven strategic priorities for the planning of improvements aimed at addressing the key areas of concern. The national definition of quality was affirmed. A total of 40 QIIs were mapped and grouped into three broad categories, namely (i) regulatory, (ii) domain-specific QIIs and (iii) Quality Improvement (QI) method.

Conclusions
The National Policy for Quality in Healthcare for Malaysia was developed through a comprehensive situational analysis using a multi-method approach that identified priorities across national, state, institutional and community levels. This evidence-informed approach led to meaningful contextual adaptation of the NQPS framework to shape the strategic direction to advance quality and achieve effective and safe outcomes for all Malaysians.
Ovarian dysfunction in adolescent girls with autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Authors: Taman Mohamed , NM El-Hadidy , Yousef Hamed , Mosa Doaa Mosad 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective
To explore the different menstrual and pubertal abnormalities in adolescent females with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD).

Methods
The study included adolescent girls aged 13–18 years with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) classified according to their international classification criteria. Data were collected from our patients’ files and interpreted with respect to the demographic, clinical, disease assessment parameters, medications used, and the hormonal profile. The aspects of puberty and menstruation were assessed by a gynaecologist with ultrasound evaluation as well. The girls were classified according to their menstrual pattern into those with regular cycles versus abnormal ones. The subgroups were compared and significant variables entered into a logistic regression model to detect the independent predictors.

Results
Twenty-one girls with JSLE were included, besides 23 JIA and 8 JDM cases. Ten patients with JSLE (47.6%) had menstrual abnormalities, whereas only four JIA (17.4%) and 1 JDM girls had these alterations without significant difference between the three groups. The median of the SLICC/ACR damage index was statistically higher in JSLE with abnormal menstrual cycles, similarly were the cumulative steroid dose and puberty onset. No difference was observed between JIA or JDM subgroups concerning the disease parameters, hormonal profile, ultrasound assessment or the treatment lines. The most significant predictor for menstrual abnormalities in JSLE was the SLICC/ACR damage index.

Conclusion
Menstrual abnormalities is a common disturbance among adolescent girls with ARDs. The SLICC/ACR damage index is the main determinant for menstrual abnormalities rather than the cumulative steroid use or disease duration in JSLE.
Characterisation of human astrovirus in a diarrhoea outbreak using nanopore and Sanger sequencing protocols
Authors: Li Jinhui , Yang Lang , Wang Kaiying , Gao Zhiyong , Li Peihan , Lin Yanfeng , Jia Leili , Wang Quanyi , Song Hongbin , Li Peng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHuman astroviruses (HAstV) are etiologic agents of acute gastroenteritis that most often afflict young children and elderly adults. Most studies of HAstV have focused on epidemiology. In this study, we collected 10 stool samples from a diarrhea outbreak from a diarrhea sentinel surveillance hospital in Beijing. Samples were evaluated immediately using parallel multiplex RT-qPCR and nanopore sequencing, and were then amplified by designed primers and Sanger sequencing to obtain whole genome sequences. Six isolates were categorized as HAstV-5 and subjected to whole genome analysis to characterize their genetic variation and evolution. Full genome analysis revealed low genetic variation (99.38–100% identity) among isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all isolates were closely related to domestic strains Yu/1-CHN and 2013/Fuzhou/85. The recombination breakpoint of the six isolates was located at 2741 bp in the overlap region of ORF1a and ORF1b, similar to those of Yu/1-CHN and 2013/Fuzhou/85. Overall, our study highlights the combined use of RT-qPCR and sequencing as an important tool in rapid diagnosis and acquisition of whole genome sequences of HAstV.
Knowledge mapping of programmed cell death in osteonecrosis of femoral head: a bibliometric analysis (2000–2022)
Authors: Liang Xue-Zhen , Li Nan , Chai Jin-Lian , Li Wei , Luo Di , Li Gang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundOsteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common, refractory and disabling disease of orthopedic department, which is one of the common causes of hip pain and dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that much progress has been made in the research of programmed cell death (PCD) in ONFH. However, there is no bibliometric analysis in this research field. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research hot spots of PCD in ONFH through bibliometrics.MethodThe literature search related to ONFH and PCD was conducted on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2002 to 2021. The VOSviewers, “bibliometrix” R package and CiteSpace were used to conduct this bibliometric analysis.ResultsIn total, 346 articles from 27 countries led by China and USA and Japan were included. The number of publications related to PCD in ONFH is increasing year by year. Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xi An Jiao Tong University, Wuhan University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology are the main research institutions. Molecular Medicine Reports is the most popular journal in the field of PCD in ONFH, and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research is the most cocited journal. These publications come from 1882 authors among which Peng Hao, Sun Wei, Zhang Chang-Qing, Zhang Jian and Wang Kun-zheng had published the most papers and Ronald S Weinstein was cocited most often. Apoptosis, osteonecrosis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, glucocorticoid and femoral head appeared are the main topics the field of PCD in ONFH. Autophagy was most likely to be the current research hot spot for PCD in ONFH.ConclusionThis is the first bibliometric study that comprehensively summarizes the research trends and developments of PCD in ONFH. This information identified recent research frontiers and hot directions, which will provide a reference for scholars studying PCD in ONFH.
Risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in lower extremity after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients over 60 years old
Authors: Gao JianQing , Xue ZhiQiang , Huang JiYue , Chen Lei , Yuan JianDong , Li Jing 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
There is a significant risk of DVT after TKA. We aim to evaluate the potential risk factors for postoperative DVT in the lower extremities in TKA patients over 60 years of age and provide a reference for the effective prevention of DVT.

Methods
This retrospective study included patients older than 60 who underwent TKA surgery in our hospital from May 2015 to May 2022 and compared and analyzed patients' personal characteristics and clinical data with or without postoperative DVT. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the potential risk factors for DVT after TKA. The sensitivity and specificity of each risk factor in the diagnosis of DVT were compared by the ROC curve, and the value of this model in the diagnosis of DVT was further investigated using a multivariable combined diagnosis ROC curve model.

Results
A total of 661 patients over 60 who underwent TKA were included. Preoperative Hematocrit (HCT), platelet count, anesthesia mode, postoperative D-dimer, ESR, diabetes mellitus, and other aspects of the DVT group and non-DVT group were statistically significant after TKA (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistics regression analysis showed that preoperative HCT, anesthesia mode, and diabetes were independent risk factors for DVT in patients over 60 years old after TKA. Compared with the univariate ROC model, the multivariable combined ROC curve analysis model has a higher diagnostic value for the diagnosis of DVT.

Conclusion
DVT is common in patients over 60 years of age after TKA, and there is a multivariable influence on its pathogenesis. For patients over 60 with diabetes, neuraxial anesthesia is recommended for patients with high preoperative HCT levels, which may reduce the incidence of postoperative DVT.
A retrospective study on epidemiology and management of canine cystine uroliths in one part of Norway from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Naeverdal Terese Vatne , Midtgård Janne Eidissen , Llarena Ann-Katrin , Ziener Martine Lund 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Urinary tract problems are a common complaint in small animal medicine and urolithiasis is considered to be an important cause of urinary tract disease in dogs. In this study the main aim was to investigate whether the occurrence of cystine urolithiasis increased during a five-year period. A second aim was to evaluate possible risk-factors as breed, age and gender. This study also evaluated how urine specific gravity, pH and level of cystine in urine responded to preventive strategies. Medical records of dogs with urolithiasis presented at nine Norwegian animal clinics and one animal hospital between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results
The incidence of cystine uroliths increased significantly during the five study years (R2 = 0.72, P = 0.0199). Dogs with cystine uroliths were significantly younger (5.0 years (n = 84, 95% CI [4.4–5.6])) when they were diagnosed with cystine uroliths compared to dogs with other types of uroliths (8.1 years (n = 255, 95% CI[7.8-8.5]) P < < 0.0001). Cystine levels in urine were increased in 93% of the dogs with cystine urolithiasis. Cystinuria decreased significantly after neutering (P < 0.0001). Breeds most commonly affected with cystine urolithiasis in this study were Staffordshire bull terrier, Danish Swedish farmdog and Chihuahua.

Conclusions
The results from this study supports a suggested genetic basis for cystine urolithiasis as described in previous studies. Neutering is considered an important part of preventing reoccurrence since cystine values decreased significantly after neutering.
Seaweed-based alginate/hydroxyapatite composite for the effective removal of bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae, and crystal violet from water
Authors: Gomaa Mohamed , Danial Amal William 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA novel cost-effective and multifunctional nanocomposite was developed based on sustainable macroalgae biomass. The brown seaweed Sargassum latifolium was utilized for alginate extraction and the calcareous red seaweed Tricleocarpa fragilis was utilized as CaCO3 source for nanohydroxyapatite synthesis. The developed Zn2+-crosslinked alginate/nanohydroxyapatite (ZA/nHA) beads were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, and TEM. The antimicrobial potential of ZA/nHA to disinfect synthetic Escherichia coli-contaminated water was evaluated at different bacterial load and composite concentrations. The developed ZA/nHA effectively inactivated bacteria at initial concentration ≤ 105 CFU mL−1 and 0.5–1% (w/v) of ZA/nHA within 300–360 min. The kinetics of bacterial disinfection exhibited better fitting to Weibull model than Log-liner model, which confirmed the disinfection process. Furthermore, treatment of the cyanobacterium (Chroococcus sp.) and the microalga (Chlorella sp.) with ZA/nHA showed promising antialgal properties as indicated by reductions in chlorophyll a. The treatment indicated 100% and 90% removal of Chroococcus sp. and Chlorella sp. within 2 and 4 days, respectively. The developed ZA/nHA also exhibited a promising application as a biosorbent for crystal violet (CV). The adsorption process was very fast (0.171 mg CV g−1 adsorbent was removed within 7 min at pH 6.0). The adsorption kinetics exhibited better fitting to the pseudo-second order and Elovich models than the pseudo-first order equation. Besides, Sips model better represented the isotherm data of CV adsorption. The thermodynamic analysis indicated exothermic adsorption, which became more favorable at low temperature and high CV concentration. The developed nanocomposite is eco-friendly and suitable for multiple environmental applications.
Graphical Abstract
MBD4 loss results in global reactivation of promoters and retroelements with low methylated CpG density
Authors: Papin Christophe , Ibrahim Abdulkhaleg , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Le Gras Stéphanie , Stoll Isabelle , Albiheyri Raed S. , Zari Ali T. , Bahieldin Ahmed , Bellacosa Alfonso , Bronner Christian , Hamiche Ali 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Inherited defects in the base-excision repair gene MBD4 predispose individuals to adenomatous polyposis and colorectal cancer, which is characterized by an accumulation of C > T transitions resulting from spontaneous deamination of 5’-methylcytosine.

Methods
Here, we have investigated the potential role of MBD4 in regulating DNA methylation levels using genome-wide transcriptome and methylome analyses. Additionally, we have elucidated its function through a series of in vitro experiments.

Results
Here we show that the protein MBD4 is required for DNA methylation maintenance and G/T mismatch repair. Transcriptome and methylome analyses reveal a genome-wide hypomethylation of promoters, gene bodies and repetitive elements in the absence of MBD4 in vivo. Methylation mark loss is accompanied by a broad transcriptional derepression phenotype affecting promoters and retroelements with low methylated CpG density. MBD4 in vivo forms a complex with the mismatch repair proteins (MMR), which exhibits high bi-functional glycosylase/AP-lyase endonuclease specific activity towards methylated DNA substrates containing a G/T mismatch. Experiments using recombinant proteins reveal that the association of MBD4 with the MMR protein MLH1 is required for this activity.

Conclusions
Our data identify MBD4 as an enzyme specifically designed to repair deaminated 5-methylcytosines and underscores its critical role in safeguarding against methylation damage. Furthermore, it illustrates how MBD4 functions in normal and pathological conditions.