bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of adding exercise to usual care on blood pressure in patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Rijal Anupa , Adhikari Tara Ballav , Dhakal Sarmila , Maagaard Mathias , Piri Reza , Nielsen Emil Eik , Neupane Dinesh , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Olsen Michael Hecht 
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Exercise is the most recommended lifestyle intervention in managing hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and/or cardiovascular disease; however, evidence in lowering blood pressure is still inconsistent and often underpowered.

Method:
We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized clinical trials adding any form of trialist defined exercise to usual care versus usual care and its effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in participants with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease searched in different databases from inception to July 2020. Our methodology was based on PRISMA and Cochrane Risk of Bias-version1. Five independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias in pairs.

Results:
Two hundred sixty-nine trials randomizing 15 023 participants reported our predefined outcomes. The majority of exercise reported in the review was dynamic aerobic exercise (61%), dynamic resistance (11%), and combined aerobic and resistance exercise (15%). The trials included participants with hypertension (33%), type 2 diabetes (28%), or cardiovascular disease (37%). Meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses reported that adding exercise to usual care reduced SBP [mean difference (MD) MD: −4.1 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) −4.99 to −3.14; P < 0.01; I
2 = 95.3%] and DBP (MD: −2.6 mmHg; 95% CI −3.22 to −2.07, P < 0.01; I
2 = 94%). Test of interaction showed that the reduction of SBP and DBP was almost two times higher among trials from low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) as compared to high-income countries (HICs). The exercise induced SBP reduction was also higher among participants with hypertension and type 2 diabetes compared to participants with cardiovascular disease. The very low certainty of evidence warrants a cautious interpretation of the present results.

Conclusion:
Adding any type of exercise to usual care may be a potential complementary strategy for optimal management of blood pressure for patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease, especially, in LMICs.
PROSPERO registration number CRD42019142313
Domains of Excellence: A CDC Framework for Developing High-Quality, Impact-Driven Public Health Science Publications
Authors: Parker Erin M. , Zhu Bao-Ping , Li Zheng , Puddy Richard W. , Kelly Megan A. , Scott Colleen , Penman-Aguilar Ana , Mekonnen Mahider A. , Stephens James W. 
Published: October 2023

Context:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a long history of using high-quality science to drive public health action that has improved the health, safety, and well-being of people in the United States and globally. To ensure scientific quality, manuscripts authored by CDC staff are required to undergo an internal review and approval process known as clearance. During 2022, CDC launched a scientific clearance transformation initiative to improve the efficiency of the clearance process while ensuring scientific quality.

Program:
As part of the scientific clearance transformation initiative, a group of senior scientists across CDC developed a framework called the Domains of Excellence for High-Quality Publications (DOE framework). The framework includes 7 areas (“domains”) that authors can consider for developing high-quality and impactful scientific manuscripts: Clarity, Scientific Rigor, Public Health Relevance, Policy Content, Ethical Standards, Collaboration, and Health Equity. Each domain includes multiple quality elements, highlighting specific key considerations within.

Implementation:
CDC scientists are expected to use the DOE framework when conceptualizing, developing, revising, and reviewing scientific products to support collaboration and to ensure the quality and impact of their scientific manuscripts.

Discussion:
The DOE framework sets expectations for a consistent standard for scientific manuscripts across CDC and promotes collaboration among authors, partners, and other subject matter experts. Many aspects have broad applicability to the public health field at large and might be relevant for others developing high-quality manuscripts in public health science. The framework can serve as a useful reference document for CDC authors and others in the public health community as they prepare scientific manuscripts for publication and dissemination.
Psychosocial issues in SCA MANUSCRIPT for medicine journal.docx
Authors: Essien Emmanuel Aniekan , Winter-Eteng Blessing F. , Onukogu Chinyere Uchechi , Nkangha Dominic Dennis , Daniel Faithful 
Published: October 2023

<p> </p>
<p><strong>Abstract </strong></p>
<p>Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a severe sickle cell disease primarily affecting black populations and individuals in tropical countries. This condition causes significant morbidity and mortality and leads to various psychosocial challenges. Using a narrative review approach, this paper analysed 80 peer-reviewed articles published between 1989 and 2023 to understand these challenges comprehensively. Mental disorders, sleep disturbances, interpersonal relationship challenges, stigmatisation, and workplace discrimination significantly contributed to the psychosocial distress experienced by individuals with SCA and their families. Depression and anxiety were prevalent among individuals with SCA, leading to poor treatment adherence, increased pain, and disruptions in various aspects of life. Sleep disturbances, including sleep-disordered breathing and sleepwalking, were also significant contributors to poor sleep quality in SCA patients. Families of individuals with SCA also face challenges, including psychological stress, financial strain, and social disruption. Stigmatisation is common, leading to misconceptions and discrimination. Workplace discrimination is prevalent, with a high unemployment rate among adult SCA patients. Comprehensive care is crucial to address these psychosocial issues. Early identification and intervention, comprehensive support programs, patient and family education, enhanced pain management strategies, and integration of mental health into clinical care are recommended. School-based support, research and advocacy, and community support groups are also necessary. By addressing these challenges through comprehensive care and support, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and society can reduce psychosocial distress and improve the lives of individuals with Sickle cell anaemia.</p>
Causes of Trichiasis and Distichiasis and Their Management with Carbon Dioxide Laser Ablation
Authors: Wang Li-An , Lai Chun-Chieh 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Many techniques have been used to treat trichiasis and distichiasis, but none of them are consistently successful, without complications, or effective in different severities. In addition, etiologic factors and their relationship with the severity or prognosis have not been identified in the non–trachoma-endemic area.

Methods:
In this retrospective consecutive study, the authors enrolled patients with trichiasis or distichiasis who had undergone carbon dioxide laser ablation in their tertiary medical center between November of 2013 and May of 2022. Surgical success was defined as no regrowth of misdirected eyelashes for at least 3 months postoperatively. The authors recorded the success rate within 3 months and 1 year after 1 treatment session, and within 3 treatment sessions. The authors also investigated the relationship between etiologic factors, severity, and the success rate.

Results:
The authors enrolled 216 eyelids of 137 patients (average age, 69.4 years; mean follow-up duration, 22.9 months). The major underlying causes of trichiasis and distichiasis were idiopathic (64.4%) and prior eyelid surgery (20.8%). More major trichiasis and distichiasis cases were observed among patients aged younger than 60 years than in patients aged 60 years or older (43% versus 21%; P < 0.01), and among patients with an underlying cause of prior eyelid surgery compared with patients with an idiopathic cause (42.2% versus 23.0%; P < 0.01). The success rates within 3 months, within 1 year after 1 treatment session, and within 3 treatment sessions were 87.5%, 76.2%, and 94.4%, respectively.

Conclusions:
The authors demonstrate that idiopathic cause and prior eyelid surgery are common causes of trichiasis and distichiasis. Carbon dioxide laser ablation is a safe, effective, and efficient treatment modality.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, IV.
The Top-Hat Flap: A New Technique for Segmental Nailbed Reconstruction
Authors: Ecker Jeff , Andrijich Courtney , Smith Nicholas W. S. 
Published: October 2023

Summary:
The finger or thumb tip was used as a homodigital neurovascular island flap (“top-hat flap”) to reconstruct 28 segmental defects of the distal phalanx, nailbed, or pulp over a 7-year period with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. All flaps survived and all fractures united. A total of 75% of patients achieved full range of motion at the distal interphalangeal joint, 71% achieved 2-point discrimination of less than 6 mm, and 92% returned unrestricted to their preinjury job less than 3 months after injury. The average digit impairment score, based on the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fifth Edition, was 19%. The top-hat flap is an option for the treatment of complex injuries of the finger or thumb tip where there is a segmental defect in the nailbed, distal phalanx, or pulp and a neurovascularly intact finger or thumb tip.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, IV.
Prospective Study of Nonsurgical Auricular Correction According to Timing of Treatment
Authors: Seo Myeonggu , Lee Jungwoo , Lee Hyun-Min , Choi Sung-Won , Kong Soo-Keun , Lee Il-Woo , Oh Se-Joon 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Many studies recommend nonsurgical auricular correction during the early postnatal period, when cartilage plasticity is high; however, many patients are not eligible for the procedure. This study compared different timings of nonsurgical auricular correction to investigate benefit after the optimal period for correction.

Methods:
In this prospective study, 53 ears from 35 patients with congenital auricular anomaly were assigned to 2 groups according to age at correction: the early group, with correction within 2 weeks of birth, and the late group, with correction 8 weeks after birth. Aesthetic outcomes, caregiver satisfaction, detachment rates, and mean device-wearing periods were compared.

Results:
Thirty-one ears from 20 patients constituted the early group, and 18 ears from 12 patients constituted the late group. Mean time to treatment after birth was 9.09 days in the early group and 134.7 days in the late group. In the early group, detachment occurred in 4 of 31 ears (12.9%), and in the late group, detachment occurred in 12 of 18 ears (66.7%), which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The average period of applying devices was 4.7 ± 1.2 weeks in the early group and 8.5 ± 4.1 weeks in the late group, with a significantly longer treatment time in the late group (P = 0.001). The early group had 87.1% good results versus 55.6% good results in the late group, with a statistically significant difference.

Conclusions:
The correction period was shorter, detachment rate was lower, and treatment outcome was better in the early group. However, successful correction was also present in the late group, showing that the patients who have passed the optimum correction period should proceed after counseling.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, II.
Acellular Dermal Matrix without Basement Membrane in Immediate Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Han Woo Yeon , Kim Dong Jin , Lee Young Soon , Eom Jin Sup , Kim Eun Key , Han Hyun Ho 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has become popular in various reconstructive procedures of different anatomic regions. There are different needs depending on the clinical application, including breast, abdominal wall, and any other soft-tissue reconstruction. Removal of the basement membrane, which consists of collagen fibers, may help achieve natural and soft breast reconstruction, which requires highly elastic ADMs. Given the lack of knowledge of the effectiveness of ADM without the basement membrane, the authors compared the clinical outcomes of ADMs with and without basement membrane in breast reconstruction.

Methods:
The authors conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial to evaluate differences in clinical outcomes. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: ADM with or without basement membrane. Both groups underwent immediate prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. Demographic characteristics, surgical outcomes, and breast shape change using nipple position were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:
A total of 56 patients were divided into 2 groups: ADM with basement membrane (n = 30 [53.6%]) or ADM without basement membrane (n = 26 [46.4%]). Clinical and surgical characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. The authors detected no statistically significant differences in the overall rate of complications or breast shape change between the 2 groups. However, the rate of seromas was higher in the ADM with basement membrane group than in the ADM without basement membrane group (10% versus 0%; P = 0.09).

Conclusions:
The 2 groups showed similar surgical outcomes. ADM without basement membrane in implant-based breast reconstruction was safe, and had mechanical properties of lower tensile strength and higher elasticity.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, II.
Comparative genomic analysis of the survival and adaptation factors of five candidate probiotic strains: Limosilactobacillus mucosae LM1, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SK151, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BS25, Limosilactobacillus fermentum SK152, and Lactobacillus johnsonii PF01
Authors: Altavas Patrick Josemaria del Rosario , Amoranto Mia Beatriz , Kim Sang Hoon , Kang Dae-Kyung , Balolong Marilen , Dalmacio Leslie Michelle 
Published: October 2023

Microorganisms belonging to the Lactobacillus genus complex (LGC) are often used for consumption and are generally safe but can cause pathogenesis in rare and specific cases. Therefore, screening and understanding genetic factors that may contribute to pathogenicity can yield valuable insights regarding probiotic safety. Limosilactobacillus mucosae LM1, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SK 151, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BS25, Limosilactobacillus fermentum SK 152, and Lactobacillus johnsonii PF01 are current probiotics of interest; however, their safety profiles have not been explored. The genome of LM1, SK 151, SK 152, and PF01 were downloaded from the NCBI GenBank, while that of L. plantarum BS25 was newly sequenced, and these annotated using the Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology (RAST) tk pipeline, and queried using command line BLAST against the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB) and Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) to detect potential virulence factors and antibiotic resistance (AR) genes. Furthermore, ResFinder and BAGEL4 were used to detect acquired AR genes and bacteriocins, respectively. The query against the VFDB identified genes that have a role in bacterial survivability, platelet aggregation, surface adhesion, biofilm formation and immunoregulation; and no acquired AR genes were detected using CARD and ResFinder. The study shows that the query strains exhibit genes identical to those present in pathogenic bacteria with the genes matched primarily having roles related to survival and surface adherence.
Using a micro-device with a deformable ceiling to probe stiffness heterogeneities within 3D cell aggregates
Authors: Jain Shreyansh , Belkadi Hiba , Michaut Arthur , Sart Sébastien , Gros Jérôme , Genet Martin , Baroud Charles N. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRecent advances in the field of mechanobiology have led to the development of methods to characterize single-cell or monolayer mechanical properties and link them to their functional behaviour. However, there remains a strong need to establish this link for three-dimensional multicellular aggregates, which better mimic tissue function. Here we present a platform to actuate and observe many such aggregates within one deformable micro-device. The platform consists of a single PDMS piece cast on a 3D-printed mold and bonded to a glass slide or coverslip. It consists of a chamber containing cell spheroids, which is adjacent to air cavities that are fluidically independent. Controlling the air pressure in these air cavities leads to a vertical displacement of the chamber’s ceiling. The device can be used in static or dynamic modes over time-scales of seconds to hours, with displacement amplitudes from a few μm to several tens of microns. Further, we show how the compression protocols can be used to obtain measurements of stiffness heterogeneities within individual co-culture spheroids, by comparing image correlations of spheroids at different levels of compression with finite element simulations. The labeling of the cells and their cytoskeleton is combined with image correlation methods to relate the structure of the co-culture spheroid with its mechanical properties at different locations. The device is compatible with various microscopy techniques, including confocal microscopy, which can be used to observe the displacements and rearrangements of single cells and neighborhoods within the aggregate. The complete experimental and imaging platform can now be used to provide multi-scale measurements that link single-cell behavior with the global mechanical response of the aggregates.
Divergent downstream biosynthetic pathways are supported by L-cysteine synthases ofMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Khan Mehak Zahoor , Hunt Deborah M. , Singha Biplab , Kapoor Yogita , Singh Nitesh Kumar , Prasad D. V. Sai , Dharmarajan Sriram , Sowpati Divya Tej , de Carvalho Luiz Pedro S. , Nandicoori Vinay Kumar 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis’s (Mtb)autarkic lifestyle within the host involves rewiring its transcriptional networks to combat host-induced stresses. With the help of RNA-seq performed under various stress conditions, we identified that genes belonging toMtbsulfur metabolism pathways are significantly upregulated during oxidative stress. Using an integrated approach of microbial genetics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, animal experiments, chemical inhibition, and rescue studies, we investigated the biological role of non-canonical L-cysteine synthases, CysM and CysK2. While transcriptome signatures ofRvΔcysMandRvΔcysK2appear similar under regular growth conditions, we observed unique transcriptional signatures when subjected to oxidative stress. We followed pool size and labelling (34S) of key downstream metabolites, viz. mycothiol and ergothioneine, to monitor L-cysteine biosynthesis and utilization. This revealed the significant role of distinct L-cysteine biosynthetic routes on redox stress and homeostasis. CysM and CysK2 independently facilitateMtbsurvival by alleviating host-induced redox stress, suggesting they are not fully redundant during infection. With the help of genetic mutants and chemical inhibitors, we show that CysM and CysK2 serve as unique, attractive targets for adjunct therapy to combat mycobacterial infection.
Alterations in DNA 5-hydroxymethylation Patterns in the Hippocampus of an Experimental Model of Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Bahabry Rudhab , Hauser Rebecca M. , Sánchez Richard G. , Jago Silvienne Sint , Ianov Lara , Stuckey Remy J. , Parrish R. Ryley , Hoef Lawrence Ver , Lubin Farah D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTemporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a type of focal epilepsy characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures originating from the hippocampus. The epigenetic reprogramming hypothesis of epileptogenesis suggests that the development of TLE is associated with alterations in gene transcription changes resulting in a hyperexcitable network in TLE. DNA 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) is an epigenetic mechanism that has been associated with chronic epilepsy. However, the contribution of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), a product of 5-mC demethylation by the Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) family proteins in chronic TLE is poorly understood. 5-hmC is abundant in the brain and acts as a stable epigenetic mark altering gene expression through several mechanisms. Here, we found that the levels of bulk DNA 5-hmC but not 5-mC were significantly reduced in the hippocampus of human TLE patients and in the kainic acid (KA) TLE rat model. Using 5-hmC hMeDIP-sequencing, we characterized 5-hmC distribution across the genome and found bidirectional regulation of 5-hmC at intergenic regions within gene bodies. We found that hypohydroxymethylated 5-hmC intergenic regions were associated with several epilepsy-related genes, includingGal,SV2,andKcnj11and hyperdroxymethylation 5-hmC intergenic regions were associated withGad65,TLR4, andBdnfgene expression. Mechanistically,Tet1knockdown in the hippocampus was sufficient to decrease 5-hmC levels and increase seizure susceptibility following KA administration. In contrast,Tet1overexpression in the hippocampus resulted in increased 5-hmC levels associated with improved seizure resiliency in response to KA. These findings suggest an important role for 5-hmC as an epigenetic regulator of epilepsy that can be manipulated to influence seizure outcomes.
External finance dependence, financial development and exports: a firm-level study from India
Authors: Arora Puneet Kumar , Mukherjee Jaydeep 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThis study aims to add to the growing literature on the trade–finance nexus by exploring the interplay between a country's level of financial development, the external finance dependence of firms and their exporting decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe study first develops a theoretical model to motivate the idea that a firm's liquidity (financial) position and its home country's level of financial development act as substitute factors in its export market entry decisions. It then empirically tests whether an improvement in a country's financial development level enhances the number of entrants in the foreign markets and boosts the exports of incumbent exporters using firm-level data of manufacturing firms in India for the period 1993–2020.FindingsEmpirical results suggest that a higher level of financial development helps increase the exporting probability of firms that rely more on external finance for their operations. Further, the study finds that the sunk costs-induced hysteresis effect plays a major role in firms' exporting decisions and financial factors don't play a significant role in the exporting activities of incumbent exporters.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that a well-developed financial market is necessary to help more and more firms initiate their foreign market operations. The results underscore that trade-liberalisation measures alone may not increase India's exports and the government must complement them with financial sector reforms.Originality/valueStudies highlighting the role of financial sector development in helping financially-constrained Indian firms overcome the entry barriers associated with exporting are extremely limited. This study contributes to this nascent literature by conducting an empirical investigation on an extensive database of Indian manufacturing firms. Moreover, in contrast to the previous firm-level studies in this area, this empirical analysis uses the actual values of external finance raised by the firms as a critical factor in determining their extensive and intensive margin of exports instead of the usual balance sheet variables such as liquidity and leverage.