bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteomic insights into the associations between obesity, lifestyle factors, and coronary artery disease
Authors: Yang Fangkun , Xu Fengzhe , Zhang Han , Gill Dipender , Larsson Susanna C. , Li Xue , Cui Hanbin , Yuan Shuai 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
We aimed to investigate the protein pathways linking obesity and lifestyle factors to coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods
Summary-level genome-wide association statistics of CAD were obtained from the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D consortium (60,801 cases and 123,504 controls) and the FinnGen study (R8, 39,036 cases and 303,463 controls). Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to identify CAD-associated blood proteins, supplemented by colocalization analysis to minimize potential bias caused by linkage disequilibrium. Two-sample MR analyses were performed to assess the associations of genetically predicted four obesity measures and 13 lifestyle factors with CAD risk and CAD-associated proteins’ levels. A two-step network MR analysis was conducted to explore the mediating effects of proteins in the associations between these modifiable factors and CAD.

Results
Genetically predicted levels of 41 circulating proteins were associated with CAD, and 17 of them were supported by medium to high colocalization evidence. PTK7 (protein tyrosine kinase-7), RGMB (repulsive guidance molecule BMP co-receptor B), TAGLN2 (transgelin-2), TIMP3 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3), and VIM (vimentin) were identified as promising therapeutic targets. Several proteins were found to mediate the associations between some modifiable factors and CAD, with PCSK9, C1S, AGER (advanced glycosylation end product-specific receptor), and MST1 (mammalian Ste20-like kinase 1) exhibiting highest frequency among the mediating networks.

Conclusions
This study suggests pathways explaining the associations of obesity and lifestyle factors with CAD from alterations in blood protein levels. These insights may be used to prioritize therapeutic intervention for further study.
Comparison of post-acute sequelae following hospitalization for COVID-19 and influenza
Authors: Liu Ting-Hui , Huang Po-Yu , Wu Jheng-Yan , Chuang Min-Hsiang , Hsu Wan-Hsuan , Tsai Ya-Wen , Lai Chih-Cheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Few studies have directly compared the risk and magnitude of post-acute sequelae following COVID-19 and influenza, and most of these studies were conducted before emergence of the Omicron. This study investigated the prevalence of post-COVID conditions and the long-term risk of emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in patients with COVID-19 and compared their risk with that of patients with influenza.

Methods
A retrospective study based on the TriNetX databases, a global health research network. We identified patients with COVID-19 and influenza who required hospitalization between January 1, 2022, and January 1, 2023. We compared the risk of developing any post-COVID conditions between the two groups and also analyzed each post-COVID-19 condition and all-cause ED visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in both populations during the follow-up 90–180 days.

Results
Before matching, 7,187 patients with COVID-19 were older (63.9 ± 16.7 vs. 55.4 ± 21.2) and were predominantly male (54.0% vs. 45.4%), and overweight/obese (16.1% vs. 11.2%) than 11,266 individuals with influenza. After propensity score matching, 6,614 patients were identified in each group, resulting in well-balanced baseline characteristics. During follow-up, the COVID-19 group had a higher incidence of any post-COVID-19 condition when compared with the influenza group (17.9% vs. 13.0%), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.398 (95% CI, 1.251–1.562). Compared to the influenza group, the COVID-19 group had a significantly higher incidence of abnormal breathing (HR, 1.506; 95% CI, 1.246–1.822), abdominal symptoms (HR, 1.313; HR, 1.034–1.664), fatigue (HR, 1.486; 95% CI, 1.158–1.907), and cognitive symptoms (HR, 1.815; 95% CI, 1.235–2.668). Moreover, the COVID-19 group had a significantly higher risk of the composite outcomes during all-cause ED visits, hospitalizations, and deaths when compared with the influenza group (27.5% vs. 21.7; HR, 1.303; 95% CI, 1.194–1.422).

Conclusions
This study indicates that hospitalized COVID-19 patients are at a higher risk of long-term complications when compared with influenza survivors.
Antimicrobial resistance in E. Coli of animal origin and discovery of a novel ICE mobile element in Northeast China
Authors: Zhu Dao mi , Ding Qiang , Li Peng hui , Wang Yong liang , Li Ya zhuo , yu Li Xuan , Li Gong mei , Ma Hong xia , Kong Ling cong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Multidrug resistance in Enterobacteriaceae including resistance to quinolones is rising worldwide. The development of resistance may lead to the emergence of new transmission mechanisms. In this study, the collection of different E. coli was performed from animals and subjected to subsequent procedures including pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, micro-broth dilution method, polymerase chain reaction. Whole genome sequencing of E. coli C3 was performed to detect the affinity, antimicrobial resistance and major carriers of the isolates.

Results
A total of 66 E. coli were isolated and their antibiotic resistance genes, frequency of horizontal transfer and genetic environment of E. coli C3 were determined. The results showed there were both different and same types in PFGE typing, indicating clonal transmission of E. coli among different animals. The detection of antimicrobial resistance and major antibiotic resistance genes and the plasmid transfer results showed that strains from different sources had high levels of resistance to commonly used clinical antibiotics and could be spread horizontally. Whole-genome sequencing discovered a novel ICE mobile element.

Conclusion
In summary, the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli in northeast China is a serious issue and there is a risk of antimicrobial resistance transmission. Meanwhile, a novel ICE mobile element appeared in the process of antimicrobial resistance formation.
Trends in child marriage, sexual violence, early sexual intercourse and the challenges for policy interventions to meet the sustainable development goals
Authors: Cordova-Pozo Kathya Lorena , Anishettar Sujata Santosh , Kumar Manish , Chokhandre Praveen Kailash 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Child marriage remains a prevalent issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) despite global declines. Girls are disproportionately affected, facing health risks, limited education, and restricted decision-making power. We aim to provide insights for child marriage prevalence across LMIC from 1990 to 2020, with a focus on sexual violence and early sexual intercourse for public health policy interventions.

Methods
This study used World Bank datasets to assess progress in addressing child marriage in LMIC countries. Statistical analyses, including trend analysis and compound annual growth rate (CAGR), were conducted to evaluate indicators of first marriage, sexual violence, and sexual intercourse. Countries with sufficient data were categorized based on prevalence rates and trends, and detailed analysis focused on significant indicators.

Results
While significant reductions were observed in the prevalence of child marriage before the age of 15 and 18 and early sexual intercourse in most countries, few countries show increasing trends, and others could not demonstrate statistical trends due to data limitations, such as scarcity of data for boys. Overall, many countries showed a decline in sexual violence and early sexual intercourse before the age of 15, but some exhibited increasing trends. For instance, Zambia and Senegal showed a decreasing trend of sexual violence, while Nigeria exhibited an increasing trend. Notably, Uganda, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone for women, and Namibia, Zambia, and Kenya for men, experienced substantial decline in early sexual intercourse.

Conclusion
There is a decline in child marriage, sexual violence, and early sexual intercourse in most countries independent from the income group. Only a few countries show slight increasing trends. The improvements confirm that policies that address education, employment, and deep-rooted gender inequality at the societal level seem to be effective and help reach the SDG. However, better data are needed to enhance the understanding of the development of child marriage in these countries to improve the effectiveness of policy intervention. Therefore, we recommend that policymakers not only include existing evidence that continues progress but also increase and improve the monitoring of relevant indicators.
The association of exhaled nitric oxide with air pollutants in young infants of asthmatic mothers
Authors: Percival Elizabeth , Collison Adam M. , da Silva Sena Carla Rebeca , De Queiroz Andrade Ediane , De Gouveia Belinelo Patricia , Gomes Gabriela Martins Costa , Oldmeadow Christopher , Murphy Vanessa E. , Gibson Peter G. , Karmaus Wilfried , Mattes Joerg 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Exhaled nitric oxide is a marker of airway inflammation. Air pollution induces airway inflammation and oxidative stress. Little is known about the impact of air pollution on exhaled nitric oxide in young infants.

Methods
The Breathing for Life Trial recruited pregnant women with asthma into a randomised controlled trial comparing usual clinical care versus inflammometry-guided asthma management in pregnancy. Four hundred fifty-seven infants from the Breathing for Life Trial birth cohort were assessed at six weeks of age. Exhaled nitric oxide was measured in unsedated, sleeping infants. Its association with local mean 24-h and mean seven-day concentrations of ozone, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, particulate matter less than 10 μm (PM10) and less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) in diameter was investigated. The air pollutant data were sourced from local monitoring sites of the New South Wales Air Quality Monitoring Network. The association was assessed using a ‘least absolute shrinkage and selection operator’ (LASSO) approach, multivariable regression and Spearman’s rank correlation.

Results
A seasonal variation was evident with higher median exhaled nitric oxide levels (13.6 ppb) in warmer months and lower median exhaled nitric oxide levels (11.0 ppb) in cooler months, P = 0.008. LASSO identified positive associations for exhaled nitric oxide with 24-h mean ammonia, seven-day mean ammonia, seven-day mean PM10, seven-day mean PM2.5, and seven-day mean ozone; and negative associations for eNO with seven-day mean carbon monoxide, 24-h mean nitric oxide and 24-h mean sulfur dioxide, with an R-square of 0.25 for the penalized coefficients. These coefficients selected by LASSO (and confounders) were entered in multivariable regression. The achieved R-square was 0.27.

Conclusion
In this cohort of young infants of asthmatic mothers, exhaled nitric oxide showed seasonal variation and an association with local air pollution concentrations.
Establishing regions of interest of the lower leg and ankle for perioperative volumetric assessment with a portable 3D scanner in orthopedic and trauma surgery – a pilot study
Authors: Taday Roman , Schiffner Erik , Gehrmann Sebastian Viktor , Wilms Lena Marie , Kaufmann Robert Alexander , Windolf Joachim , Latz David 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundSoft tissue swelling assessment benefits from a reproducible and easy to use measurement method. Monitoring of the injured lower extremity is of clinical import during staged soft tissue management. Portable 3D scanners offer a novel and precise option to quantify and contrast the shapes and volumes of the injured and contralateral uninjured limbs. This study determined three regions of interest (ROI) within the lower extremity (lower leg, ankle and foot), that can be used to evaluate 3D volumetric assessment for staged soft tissue management in orthopedic and trauma surgery.MethodsTwelve healthy volunteers (24 legs) were included in this cohort study. Scans of all three ROI were recorded with a portable 3D scanner (Artec, 3D scanner EVA) and compared between the right and left leg using the software Artec Studio (Arctec Group, Luxemburg).ResultsMean volume of the right leg was 1926.64 ± 308.84 ml (mean ± SD). ROI: lower leg: 931.86 ± 236.15 ml; ankle: 201.56 ± 27.88 ml; foot: 793.21 ± 112.28 ml. Mean volume of the left leg was 1937.73 ± 329.51 ml. ROI: lower leg: 933.59 ± 251.12 ml; ankle: 201.53 ± 25.54 ml; foot: 802.62 ± 124.83 ml. There was no significant difference of the overall volume between right and left leg (p > 0.05; overall volume: △ difference: 29.5 ± 7.29 ml, p = 0.8; lower leg: △ difference: 21.5 ± 6.39 ml, p = 0.8; ankle: △ difference: 5.3 ± 2.11 ml, p = 0.4; △ difference: 16.33 ± 4.45 ml, p = 0.8.ConclusionThis pilot study defines three regions of interest of the lower leg and demonstrates no difference between the right and left side. Based on these ROI, further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical applicability of the scanner.
Dengue and Zika RNA-RNA interactomes reveal pro- and anti-viral RNA in human cells
Authors: Liao Kuo-Chieh , Xie Xuping , Sundstrom Anna Karin Beatrice , Lim Xin Ni , Tan Kiat Kee , Zhang Yu , Zou Jing , Bifani Amanda Makha , Poh Hui Xian , Chen Jia Jia , Ng Wy Ching , Lim Su Ying , Ooi Eng Eong , Sessions October M. , Tay Yvonne , Shi Pei-Yong , Huber Roland G. , Wan Yue 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIdentifying host factors is key to understanding RNA virus pathogenicity. Besides proteins, RNAs can interact with virus genomes to impact replication.ResultsHere, we use proximity ligation sequencing to identify virus-host RNA interactions for four strains of Zika virus (ZIKV) and one strain of dengue virus (DENV-1) in human cells. We find hundreds of coding and non-coding RNAs that bind to DENV and ZIKV viruses. Host RNAs tend to bind to single-stranded regions along the virus genomes according to hybridization energetics. Compared to SARS-CoV-2 interactors, ZIKV-interacting host RNAs tend to be downregulated upon virus infection. Knockdown of several short non-coding RNAs, including miR19a-3p, and 7SK RNA results in a decrease in viral replication, suggesting that they act as virus-permissive factors. In addition, the 3′UTR of DYNLT1 mRNA acts as a virus-restrictive factor by binding to the conserved dumbbell region on DENV and ZIKV 3′UTR to decrease virus replication. We also identify a conserved set of host RNAs that interacts with DENV, ZIKV, and SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that these RNAs are broadly important for RNA virus infection.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that host RNAs can impact virus replication in permissive and restrictive ways, expanding our understanding of host factors and RNA-based gene regulation during viral pathogenesis.
Effect of spinal orthosis on clinical outcomes of patients after oblique lumbar interbody fusion: a randomized controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Han Nian-rong , Osman Akram , Hu Wei , Huang Yi-fei , Liu Yan-lu , Ma Zhan-jun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is an internationally popular minimally invasive technology for the treatment of various lumbar diseases. Since its introduction to China in 2014, OLIF technology has clearly shown its superiority in reconstructing intervertebral stability, restoring intervertebral space height, achieving indirect decompression, and restoring normal lumbar sequence. However, some patients still suffer from persistent symptoms after OLIF, including low back pain and soreness, which indirectly affect the overall surgical efficacy and patient satisfaction. Therefore, some clinicians recommend that patients routinely use spinal orthoses after OLIF to reduce the stress on the lower back muscles and ligaments, thereby relieving or avoiding postoperative residual symptoms or new symptoms. Accordingly, spinal orthosis use after OLIF has emerged as an essential option. However, the role of spinal orthoses in OLIF and their specific impact on postoperative patient clinical outcomes have remained unclear, and there is a lack of strong clinical evidence to indirectly or directly support the role of spinal orthoses in OLIF and demonstrate their impact on patient clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the role of spinal orthoses in OLIF by grouping patients based on the use or nonuse of spinal orthosis after OLIF, thus providing a better basis for the majority of patients and physicians.

Methods/design
We plan to conduct a 1-year randomized controlled trial involving 60 subjects. The subjects will be randomized into two groups: group A (those wearing spinal orthoses after surgery) and group B (those not wearing spinal orthoses after surgery). The clinical outcomes of these patients will be evaluated using the Oswestry disability index, visual analog scale, and Brantigan, Steffee, Fraser 1 day before surgery and 2 weeks and 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery.

Discussion
This randomized controlled trial aims to provide a reference for further comprehensive trial design. The findings of this study will provide a better and more scientific basis for the choice of postoperative rehabilitation and treatment for patients undergoing such a procedure.

Trial registration
This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No.: ChiCTR2200059000). Registration date: April 22, 2022.
Registration website: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=166310
Multiphase optimization of a multicomponent intervention for informal dementia caregivers: a study protocol
Authors: Kwok Jojo Yan Yan , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Zarit Steven , Cheung Karen Siu-Lan , Lau Bobo Hi Po , Lou Vivian Weiqun , Cheng Sheung-Tak , Gallagher-Thompson Dolores , Chou Kee-Lee 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Family caregiver interventions are essential to support dementia caregiving. However, such interventions are typically complex and consist of multiple components. Existing evidence rarely delineates the effectiveness and interactions between individual components. To optimise intervention, we adopt the multiphase optimisation strategy (MOST) to test the implementation fidelity and determine the effect of each component and the interactions between each component and the corresponding outcome.

Methods
A prospective, assessor-blinded, randomised clinical trial with fractional factorial design using the MOST principle. Two hundred fifty family dementia caregivers will be randomised to one of 16 experimental conditions in a fractional factorial design involving six intervention components: (1) dementia and caregiving education; (2) self-care skills; (3) behavioural symptom management; (4) behavioural activation; (5) modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy; and (6) support group. The first one is the core component, and the five remaining will be examined. Physical health, caregiver burden, stress, psychological well-being, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and social support will be assessed over the 12-month study period. Following the intention-to-treat principle, linear mixed models and regression analyses will be used to examine the specific effect of the five components and their two-way interactions to propose the most effective combination.

Discussion
This is the first study adopting the multiphase optimisation strategy to identify the most active and engaging components of a psychological intervention for caregivers of patients with dementia. In view that dementia caregiver interventions are increasingly diversified and complex, such knowledge is important to maximise the intervention efficacy and allow the intervention to be implemented within an efficient timeframe and dosage. The optimisation of caregiver support interventions is critical to enhance the health outcomes of caregivers and care recipients, thereby, delaying possible institutionalisation and reducing the costs of long-term dementia care.

Trial registration
This study was retrospectively registered in the WHO Primary Registry – Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2300071235). (Protocol date 30/10/2020; version identifier 2020–2021-0045). Registered on 9 May, 2023.

Reporting method
SPIRIT guideline was followed.

Patient or public contribution
No patient or public involvement.
The economic burden of cardiac implantable electronic device infections in Alberta, Canada: a population-based study using validated administrative data
Authors: Rennert-May Elissa , Chew Derek , Cannon Kristine , Zhang Zuying , Smith Stephanie , King Teagan , Exner Derek V. , Larios Oscar E. , Leal Jenine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are being inserted with increasing frequency. Severe surgical site infections (SSI) that occur after device implantation substantially impact patient morbidity and mortality and can result in multiple hospital admissions and repeat surgeries. It is important to understand the costs associated with these infections as well as healthcare utilization. Therefore, we conducted a population-based study in the province of Alberta, Canada to understand the economic burden of these infections.

Methods
A cohort of adult patients in Alberta who had CIEDs inserted or generators replaced between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2019 was used. A validated algorithm of International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes to identify complex (deep/organ space) SSIs that occurred within the subsequent year was applied to the cohort. The overall mean 12-month inpatient and outpatient costs for the infection and non-infection groups were assessed. In order to control for variables that may influence costs, propensity score matching was completed and incremental costs between those with and without infection were calculated. As secondary outcomes, number of outpatient visits, hospitalizations and length of stay were assessed.

Results
There were 26,049 procedures performed during our study period, of which 320 (1.23%) resulted in SSIs. In both unadjusted costs and propensity score matched costs the infection group was associated with increased costs. Overall mean cost was $145,312 in the infection group versus $34,264 in the non-infection group. The incremental difference in those with infection versus those without in the propensity score match was $90,620 (Standard deviation $190,185). Approximately 70% of costs were driven by inpatient hospitalizations. Inpatients hospitalizations, length of stay and outpatient visits were all increased in the infection group.

Conclusions
CIED infections are associated with increased costs and are a burden to the healthcare system. This highlights a need to recognize increasing SSI rates and implement measures to minimize infection risk. Further studies should endeavor to apply this work to full economic evaluations to better understand and identify cost-effective infection mitigation strategies.